Israeli Doctoral Student in Portugal Faces Severe Antisemitic Threats at Coimbra University

Bar Harel, an Israeli-American-Portuguese doctoral student at the University of Coimbra, has reported a serious antisemitic campaign and death threats against him, prompting calls for a criminal investigation by Portuguese authorities. The Higher Education Ministry requested the Attorney General to investigate after the Public Complaints Commissioner found the university largely passive in addressing the issue. Between July 2024 and May 2026, antisemitic stickers, graffiti, and posters appeared across campus, featuring slogans such as "Zionists should carry proof they are human," "Zionists are worse than Nazis," and "We are all Yahya Sinwar," alongside Hezbollah flags and Hamas support displays. Harel was personally targeted with death threats, including a message stating "Your family deserves a second Holocaust," and was physically assaulted after carrying a small Israeli flag on his backpack. Due to these events, he abandoned his doctoral studies in computer engineering.

The Higher Education Ministry asked prosecutors to investigate allegations of discrimination, incitement to hatred and violence, public glorification of terrorist organizations, threats, and bodily harm. Harel's complaint gained support after a prolonged campaign involving appeals to the European Parliament and assistance from the International Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists. The Israeli Embassy in Lisbon welcomed the decision to investigate and urged authorities to examine other reported cases. Meanwhile, the University of Coimbra claimed it provided Harel with psychological support and accompaniment upon his reports, but argued that complaints were general without specific details or identification of perpetrators, and that the offensive materials were not found on campus. The university also reported that Harel allegedly demanded three million euros to drop legal proceedings against it, a claim the student denies and the university rejected outright.