The Tunisian Jewish History Society (SHJT) is organizing an international colloquium which takes place from Sunday April 16 to Tuesday April 18, at the town hall of the 9th arrondissement, in Paris. The theme of the symposium is: "Jews and the law in Tunisia - from protectorate to independence (1881-1956) - Between historical progress and religious resilience". This symposium is organized in collaboration with the French Center of Tunisian Judaism (CFJT) and in collaboration with the Group Societies, Religions, Secularities (UMR 8582 CNRS - Practical School of Advanced Studies); the Modern and Contemporary Mediterranean Center (CMMC - UPR 1193, Université Côte d'Azur); the Center for Theory and Analysis of Law (CTAD, UMR 7074 CNRS - Paris Nanterre University) and the Library of the Alliance Israélite Universelle (AIU). It will be held under the patronage of Madame Sylvie Retailleau, Minister of Higher Education and Research.
On this occasion, several French, Tunisian and Israeli academics and researchers, in the field of their skills and academic expertise were invited, including the eminent Tunisian historian and academic, Professor Habib Kazdaghli, Dean of the Faculty of Letters of Manouba in Tunis, between 2011 and 2017. Habib Kazdaghli's scientific work is known and recognized and his work is appreciated by the scientific community beyond the borders of Tunisia.
However, it is with surprise and consternation that we learn that the members of the Scientific Council of the Faculty of Letters, Arts and Humanities of Manouba, in Tunis, decided, Wednesday, April 12, to withdraw the title of "Professor emeritus" to the former dean of the faculty Habib Kazdaghli, because of his planned participation in Paris at this conference which will also be attended by Israeli academics. Habib Kazdaghli is also accused by Tunisian authorities of "wanting normalization" with the State of Israel; a charge he has repeatedly denied. We categorically refuse that an eminent colleague be the object of threats under the pretext that he would participate in an international colloquium, in which Israeli professors will intervene. No society can forbid a scientist to dialogue, to exchange with other scientists, whatever their nationality. Knowledge has no borders.
We ask the political and academic authorities of Tunisia to reinstate Professor Habib Kazdaghli in his deserved status of Professor Emeritus. That he can attend the symposium of his choice without nationalist blackmail. Finally, that the Tunisian State assume its responsibilities by protecting Habib Kazdaghli against all attacks and death threats.
Freedom has no price.
Signatories:
Pascal Bruckner, philosopherMarc Fellous, professor, University of Paris DiderotMarc Knobel, historianSmaïn Laacher, sociologist University of StrasbourgPascal Perrineau, Professor Emeritus of Universities at Sciences Po Cédric Terzi, Lecturer, University of LilleLucette Valensi, historian, Director of Studies Emeritus, EHESS
