Full Breakdown
Pro-Palestinian Protests Target Israeli Professor at London University
10/23/2025, 8:09:20 PM
Disruption of Lecture and Threats
On October 18, 2023, Professor Michael Ben-Gad, an Israeli economics lecturer at City St George's University of London, faced significant disruption during a lecture when a group of pro-Palestinian students stormed the classroom. The protesters, some masked, reportedly threatened to behead him and labeled him a "terrorist" due to his past service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during the early 1980s. This incident is part of a broader campaign against Ben-Gad, which includes calls for his dismissal and a petition that has garnered over 1,100 signatures from academics worldwide.
Background of the Conflict
Michael Ben-Gad has been a faculty member at City St George's for nearly 20 years. He has previously taught at institutions such as the University of Haifa and has worked at the Bank of Israel. His military service and academic background have made him a target for protests, particularly in light of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The protests intensified following the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with activists accusing him of complicity in war crimes.
University Response
City St George's University has publicly supported 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 reiterated that the actions of the protesting group do not represent the university or its student body. The university has also increased security measures during Ben-Gad's lectures in response to the threats.
Academic Support and Criticism
The campaign against Ben-Gad has drawn significant backlash from the academic community. Over 1,200 scholars have signed a letter defending him, expressing concern over the targeted harassment campaign. Critics, including Professor Alice Sullivan from University College London, have described the actions against Ben-Gad as anti-Semitic harassment, stating that the protests intimidate not only him but also Jewish students on campus.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am indeed as they claim an IDF veteran and I plan to act like one – these modern brown shirts are not going to send me into hiding,” — Michael Ben-Gad, Professor of Economics
- “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
- “Attacks of this kind are intimidating, particularly to Jewish students, and set a precedent under which others could be targeted in future.” — Statement from a group of academics
Criticism of Protest Tactics
Critics of the protests argue that the tactics employed by the student groups, such as threatening behavior and public harassment, cross a line that undermines academic freedom. Ben-Gad himself has stated that while students have the right to express their opinions, they do not have the right to disrupt, harass, or threaten. He has characterized the protesting group as a "very small radical element" and expressed gratitude for the support he has received from colleagues of diverse backgrounds.
Conclusion
The situation surrounding Professor Michael Ben-Gad highlights the tensions within academic institutions regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As protests continue, the university's commitment to protecting its staff and fostering an environment of free expression remains a focal point of the ongoing discourse. The incident raises broader questions about the limits of protest and the responsibilities of educational institutions in addressing harassment and maintaining academic integrity.
