Full Breakdown
Threats Against Professor Michael Ben-Gad at City University of London
10/23/2025, 7:48:14 PM
Incident Overview: Disruption and Threats
On October 22, 2025, Professor Michael Ben-Gad, an Israeli economics lecturer at City St George's University in London, faced a severe disruption during his lecture when a group of masked pro-Palestinian activists stormed the classroom. The protesters shouted accusations labeling him a "war criminal" and a "Nazi," and one individual allegedly threatened to behead him. This incident followed a campaign by the activist group City Action for Palestine, which had previously branded Ben-Gad a "terrorist" due to his mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from 1982 to 1985.
Background: Context of the Protests
The protests against Ben-Gad intensified following the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Activists accused him of complicity in war crimes, linking his military service to historical events such as the Sabra and Shatila massacre during the Lebanese Civil War. The group circulated flyers on campus demanding his dismissal and labeled him a "terrorist," claiming that his presence was inappropriate for a university with a significant Muslim student population.
Official Responses and Support
City St George's University has publicly supported Professor Ben-Gad, emphasizing its commitment to freedom of expression while condemning harassment. A university spokesperson stated, "We will not tolerate the harassment of its staff and students," and reaffirmed that the actions of the protesters did not represent the university or its student body. Additionally, over 1,200 academics from various institutions, including Imperial College London and the University of Oxford, signed a petition denouncing the harassment and affirming the importance of academic freedom.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of the protests argue that the actions of the demonstrators constitute a form of anti-Semitic harassment. Ben-Gad himself described the protesters as a "very small radical element" and expressed concern for the safety of Jewish students on campus, highlighting the broader implications of such targeted harassment. Academics have voiced their solidarity with Ben-Gad, emphasizing that intimidation based on national origin or religion is unacceptable.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I can update on the situation as of about an hour ago. I finished my lecture and it was invaded by protesters who came right up to my face and called me a war criminal and a Nazi. They refused to leave, they were masked. One of them made a threat about having my head chopped off.” — Michael Ben-Gad, Professor of Economics
- “being a Jew who has lived in the Middle East.” — Michael Ben-Gad
- “We will continue to support and protect our staff and students, including Michael, who has the full support of the university and its senior management team, as well as colleagues of all faiths and backgrounds.” — City St George's University Spokesperson
- “'Regardless of diverse views on the recent Gaza war and the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, we deplore any campaign that seeks to intimidate and drive out lecturers because they are Israeli, Jewish, or members of any other group.” — Statement from Academics
Conclusion: Ongoing Support and Future Implications
Despite the threats and harassment, Professor Ben-Gad has vowed to continue his teaching duties, asserting that he will not be intimidated. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about academic freedom, the safety of Jewish students in the UK, and the implications of political activism on university campuses. The university community remains vigilant in supporting Ben-Gad and condemning any form of harassment or intimidation.
