Israeli Student Flees Portugal After Severe Antisemitism at University Sparks Criminal Probe

Bar Harel, an Israeli student studying in Portugal, fled the country after enduring severe antisemitic harassment at his university following October 7. He reported receiving death threats and encountering hateful stickers and posters on campus, including ones stating "The chosen people love to kill children." Despite his complaints, the university administration initially dismissed the incidents, claiming there was no evidence. Harel collected hundreds of such stickers as proof and shared his experience publicly, which led to intensified threats, including personal posters and online hate speech.

The university advised Harel not to approach the faculty for his safety, a move he described as "completely absurd." Following the escalation and widespread distribution of hateful materials in the city, Harel remained confined to student housing on the recommendation of the Israeli embassy and ultimately left Portugal based on guidance from the Israeli Foreign Ministry. During this ordeal, he received support from a Portuguese student and a Palestinian student from Hebron.

Portugal's State Comptroller found that the university violated the law by failing to address the antisemitic acts properly. The institution rejected the comptroller's recommendations, prompting a formal complaint to the Portuguese Prime Minister. Subsequently, Portuguese authorities launched a criminal investigation into the university's handling of the antisemitism allegations. The university continues to deny the events occurred, maintaining there is no proof of wrongdoing.