People in Montréal attend a demonstration on May 15, 2021, to denounce Israel’s military actions in the Palestinian territories. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes February 20, 2023 University presidents’ trip to Israel undermines academic freedom and democracy Dyala Hamzah, Université de Montréal; Jillian Rogin, University of Windsor; Larry Haiven, St. Mary's University, and M. Muhannad Ayyash, Mount Royal University When universities are seen as favouring one position on the Palestine/Israel issue, their ability to uphold academic freedom as a fundamental tenet of democracy is jeopardized.