Statement from four universities protesting Israeli cabinet minister’s comments on the use of nuclear
weapons and calling for an immediate end to Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip
An Israeli cabinet minister has stated that “the use of nuclear weapons is an option.” As residents of theatomic-bombed city of Nagasaki, we live with the strong desire to “make Nagasaki the last atomic-bombedcity.” We express our strong protest against the fact that a wartime cabinet minister would flirt with such astatement. In response to such statements and ideas, and with a strong desire for an immediate ceasefire,
the four school corporations in the atomic-bombed city of Nagasaki jointly issue this statement of protest.
Located in the atomic-bombed city of Nagasaki, in all of the schools and kindergartens under the school
corporations, which are the bases of our four universities, we have been praying together withkindergartners, students, faculty and staff for a world where nuclear weapons are never used and taking astrong stand for the realization of a world of “peace” to Japan and other countries in the world.
August 9, 1945, 11:02 a.m. The atomic bombing of Nagasaki was an act that deliberately took the livesof civilians, especially children, who were undoubtedly not soldiers. We must never forget that there arestill people who continue to suffer even though nearly 80 years have passed since the day of the atomicbombing. As the Hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors) population ages, we are continuing to search for ways
to convey the reality of the damage caused by the atomic bombing to future generations so that humanity
will not forget the horror of nuclear weapons.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas suddenly launched a large-scale attack against Israel. Even considering thehistorical background and the recent situation in the Middle East, we, who hope for a world of “peace,”cannot help but be saddened. The subsequent Israeli attack on the Gaza Strip has made us realize thehorror of the cycle of hate being perpetuated by both sides, and once again forced us to ask the big question,“What is true ‘peace’?” Under such circumstances, a minister of Israel, representing a country which has
not publicly declared the possession of nuclear weapons and is not a signatory to the Treaty on the NonProliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), has publicly stated that “the use of nuclear weapons is an option.”
Currently, Israel has not completely ceased the attacks on the Gaza Strip, creating a situation in which thepeople living there are not able to lead a normal life. These actions are unforgivable. It is clearly an outrage
against Article 2, Section 4 of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use and threat of force, as
well as the relevant provisions of international humanitarian law.
For the sake of those living in the Gaza Strip, for those who are still being held hostage, and above all,for the sake of the many children, who are victims of adults who only see their own justice, and their future,
we sincerely and strongly hope for an immediate and complete ceasefire and a resolution of the conflictthrough discussion instead of weapons. Pope Paul VI once declared that peace through nuclear weapons
is “an attempt to hide terror in the name of peace,” and Pope Francis, who visited the atomic-bombed cityof Nagasaki in 2019, has repeatedly pointed out that the security gained through nuclear weapons is “falsesecurity.” We appeal to everyone how vain “peace” achieved through military force is.
As residents of the atomic-bombed city of Nagasaki, our strong desire to make Nagasaki the last place
to be bombed by nuclear weapons is unwavering. Humanity should never experience that tragic event
again. May there be true “peace” for all.
November 29,2023
Kwassui Women’s University

Satoshi Hirose

Nagasaki University of Foreign Studies

Junichi Himeno

Nagasaki Junshin Catholic University

Rumiko Kataoka

Nagasaki Wesleyan University

Sangjung Kang