Protests Erupt Against Professor Michael Ben-Gad at University

Protests have erupted outside City St George’s University in London against Professor Michael Ben-Gad, a noted economist and member of the faculty, following a campaign targeting his academic freedom and personal history. The recent unrest coincided with the rise of a group calling itself “City Action for Palestine,” which has publicly condemned Ben-Gad for his service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during the early 1980s.

The protests featured professionally produced footage aired by Iranian and Turkish state television, which highlighted disruptions during one of Ben-Gad’s lectures. Demonstrators have accused him of being a “terrorist” and “war criminal” due to his Israeli background, his academic credentials from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and his previous roles at the University of Haifa and the Bank of Israel. The protests have grown increasingly intense, demanding his immediate dismissal and an apology to Arab and Muslim students.

Despite the pressure, Ben-Gad has remained resolute. He rejected offers of paid leave, insisting on continuing his lectures and academic duties. His commitment to his role has garnered support from the university’s administration, including Sir Anthony Finkelstein, the institution’s president, who expressed solidarity with Ben-Gad and reached out to other Israeli scholars at the university.

Academic Freedom and Rising Tensions

This incident has sparked a broader discussion about academic freedom in the UK, particularly in light of the recent protests that have characterized campuses since the violent events of October 7, 2023. While many students, including those from Muslim backgrounds, reportedly do not share the sentiments expressed by the protestors, a minority of academics and activist groups appear to influence the narrative.

Concerns about antisemitism on UK campuses have been highlighted in multiple reports over the past decade. The climate of hostility toward individuals questioning dominant progressive views, such as those surrounding colonialism, gender, and race, has intensified. This has led to an environment where rigorous debate is often stifled, and self-censorship becomes commonplace among academics who fear backlash for their beliefs.

Ben-Gad’s situation echoes previous controversies involving academic figures, including the case of Kathleen Stock, who faced significant backlash for her gender-critical views, resulting in her departure from the University of Sussex. This pattern raises alarm regarding the treatment of scholars who hold unpopular opinions.

Legislative Response and Academic Culture

In response to these escalating tensions, the UK government introduced the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023. The legislation aims to protect free speech at universities and address issues such as political discrimination in hiring practices. Critics argue that while the act is a step forward, further guidance is needed to ensure its effectiveness in fostering a genuinely open academic environment.

The impact of political ideology on hiring and promotion within academia has become a pressing issue. Reports suggest that many leading journals and funding bodies exhibit biases favoring specific ideological perspectives, particularly regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. This has created a precarious landscape for those who wish to present alternative viewpoints or critiques.

Professors have reported incidents where their academic positions have been challenged based on their perceived alignment with certain political ideologies. This has led to a chilling effect on academic discourse, with many feeling pressured to conform to dominant narratives or risk professional repercussions.

As the situation continues to unfold, the ramifications for academic freedom and the integrity of scholarly debate at institutions like City St George’s University remain to be seen. The case of Michael Ben-Gad serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by academics striving to navigate a landscape increasingly fraught with ideological conflict and intolerance.