Right-Wing Groups Demand Removal of Bezalel Lecturer Supporting October 7 Attacks

Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design is embroiled in controversy after lecturer Issa Graieb expressed support for the October 7 attacks and the killing of Israeli soldiers. Graieb liked social media posts praising the attacks and referring to the Israeli military as "occupation forces." He also endorsed posts commemorating the deaths of four soldiers in an October 2024 drone strike on the Golani base, describing the events as "making history for all of Palestine."

Following a report by Channel 14, right-wing organizations have taken action against Graieb. Shai Glick, CEO of the "B'Tsalmo" organization, filed complaints with the police, the prosecution, and the Council for Higher Education (CHE), demanding an investigation into whether Graieb's actions constitute support for terrorism. The "Im Tirtzu" movement also filed a police complaint and is collecting student signatures on a petition calling for Graieb's immediate dismissal.

Despite growing student protests and the serious nature of the allegations, Graieb continues to teach at Bezalel. The academy declined to comment on the accusations. The CHE stated it is currently reviewing the case based on Bezalel's internal investigation and will wait for its findings before taking further action.

The controversy intensified after revelations that Graieb referred to Israeli cities such as Nazareth, Haifa, and Jerusalem as "Palestine," and identified himself as originating from "Palestinian territories" in a DAAD scholarship profile. The case has sparked significant debate over academic freedom and support for terrorism within state-funded institutions in Israel.