A prestigious Washington University hosted a faculty panel that declared Hamas has a “right of resistance” but failed to mention atrocities committed by the terrorists.
The event “Understanding the Conflict in Israel and Palestine” was sponsored by the School of Medicine and Health Sciences’ Anti-Racism Coalition and the Institute for Middle East Studies.
Panelists called Israel’s military action in Gaza “ethnic cleansing” and “genocide,” but failed to condemn or even raise Hamas's acts of terror committed on October 7.
Michael Barnett, professor of international affairs and political science, said: “Israel rightly can claim self-defence, but I also want to note here that Hamas and the Palestinians also have a right of resistance.”
Shira Robinson, a professor of history and international affairs, said: “All of us have been shaken by the events of Oct. 7. But we all recognize that those events have a history.
“Israel launched an unprecedented carpet bombing campaign in the strip that for the past eight weeks, we now know, has deliberately targeted and continues to deliberately target high-rise residential buildings, bakeries, schools, universities, and UN shelters.”
During the Zoom panel on December 4th, students tried to ask questions but were ignored.
In a statement, Diversity and Inclusion Dean Yolanda Haywood stopped short of apologising for the panel’s words.
“The primary goal was to offer an experience that would result in thoughtful reflection and be a stimulus for broader, open communication.
“As the webinar proceeded, it became clear that this program was not a balanced presentation on this most divisive and difficult subject.”
So far 17 antisemitic incidents have been recorded on campus this year, according to the AMCHA Initiative.
In October, students projected pro-hamas messages onto the side of a library building, including “Glory to our martyrs” and “Free Palestine from the river to the sea.”
The US Department of Education is investigating a George Washington psychology professor who allegedly made antisemitic comments during a mandatory diversity course.
