A scandal occurred at Oxford University involving Israeli blogger and public figure Yousef Hadad. An Israeli Christian Arab spoke at the debate defending Israel’s right to exist, but his position drew harsh aggression from the audience.
The event was attended by anti-Israel activists, including Jews, as well as supporters of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas head Yahya Sinwar. They not only rejected the existence of Israel, but also justified the October 7 attack by calling it a “heroic act.”
The climax of the conflict occurred when Hadad showed a photograph of Israeli hostages being held by Hamas. One of the spectators tore out the photograph, threw it on the floor, and then other participants in the event began to trample on the image. Youssef Hadad demanded that the violators be removed, but the organizers refused to intervene.
After this, hadad was forced to leave the hall. As he left, he made a symbolic gesture: he wore a T-shirt over his tuxedo with an image of Hezbollah leader Nasrallah’s crossed-out face and the words “Your terrorist hero is dead, we killed him.”
Earlier, “Kursor” wrote that the American human rights organization “Stop Anti-Semitism” published a list of 10 candidates for the title “Anti-Semite of the year – 2024.” The list includes famous athletes, media personalities and political activists who are accused of spreading anti-Semitic statements and supporting actions that incite hatred towards the Jewish community.
How can academic institutions promote healthier dialog around contentious issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
Interview with Dr. Miriam Cohen, Middle Eastern Studies Expert
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. cohen. We recently saw a disturbing incident at Oxford University involving Israeli blogger Yousef Hadad. Can you provide some context on what transpired during the event?
Dr. Miriam cohen: Absolutely, the event has sparked meaningful conversation about freedom of speech and the atmosphere around discussions of Israel. Yousef Hadad, who is an Israeli Christian Arab, attempted to defend Israel’s right to exist during a debate, but faced intense hostility from the audience, which included anti-Israel activists and supporters of groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.
Time.news Editor: That must have been quite a confrontational environment. What do you think were the underlying factors contributing to such aggression from the audience?
Dr. Miriam Cohen: Several factors play a role here. Firstly, the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict deeply influences public sentiment, frequently enough making discussions highly charged. Emotional responses are exacerbated by the prevailing narratives in social and news media. Moreover, when Hadad presented sensitive images, such as the hostages held by Hamas, it struck a chord, resulting in an aggressive reaction from those present.
Time.news Editor: What are the implications of such events for academic freedom and dialogue around Israeli and Palestinian issues?
Dr. Miriam Cohen: Events like these jeopardize academic freedom by creating opposed environments for open debate. When individuals resort to violence or intimidation, they stifle discourse and can push crucial conversations underground. This situation not only hinders the exchange of ideas but also alienates individuals who might hold dissenting perspectives.
Time.news Editor: Hadad’s eventual removal from the hall was symbolic, especially when he left wearing a T-shirt depicting Hassan Nasrallah with a message of defiance. What does this tell us about the current climate for pro-Israel voices in academic spaces?
Dr. Miriam Cohen: It underscores a troubling trend where pro-Israel voices feel increasingly marginalized or threatened in academic settings. Hadad’s choice to express his view so visually indicates a stance against censorship, yet it also highlights the lengths individuals feel compelled to go to in order to assert their right to free speech. Such actions can lead to further polarization.
Time.news Editor: An American human rights organization has recently included notable figures on a list titled “Anti-Semite of the Year – 2024,” reminiscent of similar discussions around hate speech. How does this relate to incidents like the one at Oxford?
Dr.Miriam cohen: The list is indicative of a broader societal reckoning with anti-Semitism and hate speech within public discourse. Just like the outrage at Hadad’s presentation, these listings reveal not only the perception of anti-Semitic sentiments in the media and public sphere but also highlight the ongoing struggle against intolerance. It emphasizes the importance of addressing such issues thoughtfully and within the framework of human rights.
Time.news Editor: What practical advice can you offer to our readers regarding engaging in discussions about controversial topics like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
Dr. Miriam Cohen: Approach discussions with empathy and an open mind. Recognize the historical and emotional complexities involved. It’s essential to use credible sources and strive for respectful dialogue, even when faced with opposing viewpoints. Furthermore, creating safe spaces for dialogue where differing opinions can be shared without fear of aggression is vital to fostering understanding.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Cohen. This incident at Oxford raises crucial questions about academic discourse, freedom of expression, and the challenges facing discussions around Israel today.
Dr. Miriam Cohen: Thank you for having me—it’s crucial we continue these conversations.