Anti-Israel Mob Sways Europe’s Universities to Ignorance

Recently, European educational institutions have increasingly become arenas where open dialogue is stifled, especially when the discussions concern antisemitism and perspectives on the Arab-Israeli conflict that are not 100% anti-Israel. This troubling trend is exemplified by several incidents across the continent.

At UWC Atlantic College in Wales – a school founded by Kurt Hahn, a German-Jewish educator who fled Nazi Germany – Jewish journalist Jonathan Sacerdoti was invited to speak about journalism and antisemitism. However, the invitation was rescinded after some students decided that his presence would somehow be distressing. This arbitrary decision is particularly controversial given the school’s origins in promoting global understanding.

Similarly, at the Tapijnkazerne in Maastricht, Netherlands, a lecture by Syrian-Lebanese human rights activist Rawan Osman was disrupted by approximately 30 anti-Israeli activists. Osman was invited by Maastricht University to discuss her ideological journey from a supporter of terrorist organizations to advocating for the state of Israel. The activists, many of whom were foreign students, infiltrated the lecture hall, shouting insults and causing significant disturbances.

These incidents underscore a growing pattern where institutions, instead of fostering open debate, capitulate to pressures that silence particular viewpoints. This not only hampers free speech but also undermines the foundational principles of educational establishments as spaces for diverse perspectives and robust discussions.

I, too, experienced this firsthand. Last week, I was scheduled to give a lecture at Radboud University in the Netherlands, focusing on soft power and terrorism – topics that are not exclusively related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, due to undisclosed “safety concerns,” the event was canceled, ostensibly because of my Israeli and Jewish identity and my affiliation with an NGO that challenges false narratives about Israel. The anti-Israeli mob celebrated its “victory” on social media – a victory of ignorance over intellectual engagement.

A similar situation unfolded at the University of Amsterdam, which also claimed it could not “guarantee the speaker’s safety.” In both instances, the universities effectively acknowledged they had admitted a violent faction into their institutions – one they are either unwilling or unable to control. Ultimately, StandWithUs Netherlands, which organized the events, managed to hold both lectures off-campus without incident, highlighting that the spectre of intimidation, rather than open debate, dictates permissible discourse within European universities.

This pervasive issue threatens not only Jewish communities but also the very foundations of European democracy. A democratic society thrives on open discussion and the willingness to engage with differing viewpoints. When certain voices are systematically excluded, public discourse suffers, leading to a dangerous intellectual and moral decline.

Universities and institutions often find excuses to justify these exclusions, claiming lectures are too controversial or citing safety concerns. In reality, they prefer silencing Jews – or anyone who challenges the mob’s narrative – rather than engaging in genuine debate. This cowardice emboldens extremists who know they can silence their opponents through threats, creating an environment where hatred is legitimized, and those who challenge it are marginalized.

Moreover, European institutions hypocritically readily provide platforms for activists and groups that openly support the destruction of Israel or have ties to terrorist organizations. NGOs that justify violence under the guise of “human rights advocacy” are welcomed, while those seeking to expose these groups or offer alternative perspectives face relentless opposition. These NGOs are not just participants but the driving force behind this process, systematically creating an environment where the mere presence of an Israeli speaker sparks outrage and threats.

The systematic exclusion of Israeli voices – or any voices that challenge the dominant anti-Israel narrative – has real-world consequences. It contributes to a rising atmosphere of intimidation, where Jewish students and academics feel increasingly unsafe. It strengthens the forces of misinformation, making it harder for the public to access nuanced, factual discussions about Israel and the Middle East. Ultimately, it erodes the core values of democratic society itself.

If Europe continues down this path, it will not only betray its Jewish citizens but also undermine its own democratic foundations. A society that allows one group to be silenced will eventually see broader restrictions on speech, with dangerous consequences for all.

To reverse this trend, European institutions must recommit to the principles of free and open debate. Universities must ensure that their campuses remain places of genuine dialogue, not ideological echo chambers. European leaders must publicly acknowledge and confront the growing wave of antisemitism that often disguises itself as political activism. Donors must reassess their funding of NGOs to ensure they are not supporting groups that spread hate and exclusion on campuses.

Europe stands at a crossroads. It can continue to allow extremists to dominate the conversation, leading to a darker, more ignorant public sphere. Or it can defend the principles it claims to cherish, ensuring that all voices – especially those challenging prevailing biases – are given the space to be heard. The choice is clear, but time is running out.