Controversy Over Anti-Israel Lecturer at Bezalel Academy Intensifies Amid Police Probe
The controversy surrounding Bezalel Academy lecturer Issa Graib has escalated following a police investigation and urgent demands for action from various parties. The Disabled IDF Veterans Forum sent an urgent appeal to former Supreme Court President Esther Hayut, who now chairs Bezalel's board, calling for her personal intervention and disciplinary measures against Graib. The forum highlighted social media evidence allegedly showing Graib's support for armed struggle and terror, including likes on posts praising attacks that killed Israeli soldiers and content related to the October 7 events. Graib has also reportedly referred to Israel as "Palestine" and questioned the state's legitimacy.
The forum argued that allowing such expressions within a publicly funded academic institution creates a hostile environment for students who serve in the reserves, disabled veterans, wounded soldiers, and bereaved families. They demanded Graib be summoned for disciplinary review, suspended pending investigation, and that his employment be reconsidered. Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Aryeh King joined the call, urging the city to suspend cooperation with Bezalel until Graib is dismissed and encouraging students to protest his continued employment.
Despite the growing pressure, Bezalel has remained silent, with no official response to the allegations or demands. Esther Hayut stated that the matter is currently being handled by Bezalel President Prof. Adi Stern and expressed confidence it will be addressed appropriately. Shai Glick, CEO of B'Tselem, which filed the police complaint, condemned Bezalel for supporting a lecturer accused of backing the October 7 attack and vowed to pursue Graib's dismissal and prosecution.
The case raises broader questions about the limits of academic freedom and free speech versus expressions that may constitute support for terrorism, as well as the responsibility of public academic institutions to protect their students, including many reservists, from hostile environments created by such conduct.
