A prestigious boarding school in Wales has cancelled a Jewish speaker’s talk on antisemitism after some students expressed concerns that his presence would be “distressing.”
UWC Atlantic, whose alumni include royals such as Spain’s Princess Leonor and Princess Sofia, invited broadcaster Jonathan Sacerdoti to speak on antisemitism and his work as a journalist last Sunday but cancelled the event after a group of anti-Israel students allegedly raised concerns that his presence would threaten their "emotional safety.”
"The school had invited me, publicly announced my upcoming talk to their students, and shared event details – only to reverse their decision at the last moment," Sacerdoti told the JC.
"I have spoken at universities, schools, and conferences around the world. And yet, for this school, my presence alone was deemed too dangerous."
The talk was reportedly initiated at the request of Jewish and Israeli students.
Sacerdoti, a vocal campaigner for Israel who faced backlash for his staunch views during the “apartheid Israel” debate at Oxford Union last year, told the JC that prior to the event’s approval, he had several calls with the school’s administrators to discuss how to approach the subjects in question. He said he turned down the suggestion that he address students via pre-recorded video.
The school then cancelled the event on Friday after a group of students expressed "distress" over Sacerdoti’s presence, with UWC Atlantic citing its responsibility to protect its students “who have direct experience of conflict and trauma”, according to a statement to the JC.
“The college regularly hosts events and workshops with internal and external speakers to provide a wide range of perspectives on world affairs. These are designed to foster constructive dialogue utilising mutual respect, critical thinking and peacebuilding. We explored alternative formats to ensure that discussions could take place while upholding our safeguarding responsibilities. Unfortunately, Mr Sacerdoti declined these options and we were unable to find a mutually agreeable way forward,” UWC Atlantic’s statement said.
Jonathan Sacerdoti had been due to talk about journalism and antisemitism at UWC Atlantic (Picture: Oxford Union)[Missing Credit]
The cancellation of Sacerdoti’s talk has raised questions about how the school handles sensitive issues such as antisemitism.
Founded in 1962 by Kurt Hahn, a Jewish educator who fled Nazi Germany, UWC Atlantic professes the goal of promoting global understanding and peace, providing a unique educational environment with students from diverse backgrounds, including royals, refugees on scholarships, and others. Hahn also founded Gordonstoun, the school attended by King Charles III.
But Sacerdoti, whose father survived the Holocaust, believes the school’s decision contradicts its ethos.
"The school's mission emphasises peace and global understanding," he said. “Speakers like myself represent a mainstream perspective. I think it’s a great shame; this decision goes completely against the principles the founder established.
“I fear that we constantly see people being cancelled for speaking out about antisemitism, with little to no challenge. As a public figure who speaks on these topics, I hear from many people – both Jewish and non-Jewish – expressing enormous concern."
Sacerdoti, who occasionally writes for the JC, also expressed disappointment at the missed opportunity for students.
"It's sad for me that those students won't get the perspective I would have brought. And for those who wanted me to be there, I’m sad for all of them. These discussions don't need to be inflammatory or provocative. I'm not an extremist and certainly not dangerous – quite the contrary,” Sacerdoti said.
UWC Atlantic is one of 18 United World Colleges, which educates students aged 16 to 18 from around the world. Known for its progressive educational style, the school charges fees between £36,800 and £45,000.
