Investigation Launched Against Bezalel Lecturer Accusing Israel of Genocide

An investigation has been initiated against Issa Graib, a lecturer at the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem, following his sharp criticisms of Israel and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Graib, an Israeli citizen born in Nazareth and employed at the Jerusalem institution, has referred to Israeli cities such as Nazareth, Haifa, and Jerusalem as "Palestine" and described the IDF as "Israeli occupation forces." He also identified himself internationally as a resident of the "Palestinian territories" and accused Israel of committing "genocide" against Palestinians, shortly after the October 7 massacre.

The revelations, first reported by German media and later exposed by Channel 14 News, raised serious concerns about the responsibility of a publicly funded Israeli academic institution toward its students and the public. Graib recently received a prestigious artist grant from the German DAAD organization, where he was presented as originating from the "Palestinian territories." In his self-declaration to the German organization, he listed his residence as "East Jerusalem and Ramallah," despite being an Israeli citizen born and raised in Nazareth.

Graib’s social media posts included a call on October 17, 2023, just ten days after the October 7 attack and before the start of the ground offensive, urging to stop what he termed Israel’s "genocide" of Palestinians, without mentioning the atrocities committed by Hamas. The investigation was prompted by concerns that Graib’s actions, including denying Israel’s legitimacy and defaming its military while serving as an educator, exceed acceptable boundaries.

The Bezalel Academy is now examining whether its administration was aware of Graib’s statements over the years and how it permits a tenured lecturer to label Israeli cities as "Palestine." This case tests the institution’s commitment to setting clear limits on such conduct, especially when it is presented internationally under academic auspices.