Israeli University Dismisses Senior Lecturer Over Social Media Posts on Israeli Invasion of Gaza

February 10, 2024

Professor Yifat Bitton, President
Achva Academic College of Education and Science
1 Achva
MP. Shikmim, 7980400 Israel

Dear President Bitton,

The Committee of Concerned Scientists is an independent organization of scientists, physicians, engineers, and scholars devoted to the protection and advancement of human rights and scientific freedom for colleagues all over the world.

We are writing regarding Dr. Uri Horesh, a senior lecturer of Arab linguistics at Achva Academic College (AAC). After the occurrence of the Oct. 7th attacks, Dr. Horesh expressed, as he did before the attacks, his sympathy with such statements as ‘Free Gaza’ and ‘End the Genocide Now, Let Gaza Live’. On October 15th, Dr. Horesh was notified of the suspension of his activities at AAC considering his statements. Subsequently on October 29th, without due process or notification, he was blocked from accessing AAC digital information systems, including his institutional email. Fearing for his safety, he chose to move to England.

The Committee is concerned that Dr. Horesh’s academic position was terminated due to his social media posts and ultimately his freedom of expression. His termination, if for these reasons, would be a violation of his rights. It would also threaten the reputation of your university as a bastion of academic freedom.

We would appreciate receiving a clear explanation from your administration about the reasons for the termination of Dr. Horesh’s position. Thank you for your attention to this serious matter.
Sincerely,

Joel L. Lebowitz, Paul H. Plotz, Walter Reich, Eugene M. Chudnovsky, Alexander Greer
Co-Chairs, Committee of Concerned Scientists

CC:
Yoav Kisch, Minister of Education
Ministry of Education, Government of Israel
2 Dvora HaNevi’a Street, Jerusalem 9510402, Israel