Outrage at Ben-Gurion University Over Nursing Student Accused of October 7 Denial

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev is facing a new wave of anger after students accused a nursing student of denying the horrors of October 7. According to the complainants, she shared content rejecting accounts of the massacre, rape and harm to children, yet received no meaningful sanction and, in their view, was even granted academic distinction.

The issue drew public attention from Yair Shoshan, identified as the opposition leader and a Beersheba city council member. He said, “Residents of Beersheba, wake up. They are spitting in our faces, and we are still saying thank you.” Shoshan added that, to his understanding, the student circulated videos denying the October 7 events, including the massacre, the rape cases and the attacks on children. He argued that instead of severe punishment, the university gave her a certificate of excellence.

Shoshan also said the nursing department’s students feel deeply hurt, especially reservists and students personally affected by the war. University students echoed that anger, saying they are shocked by the decision and cannot understand how someone accused of this behavior was allowed to continue studying.

Ben-Gurion University said the case was handled through its standard disciplinary process. In its response, the university said the student was brought to disciplinary court, suspended from studies for one semester, admitted her mistake in front of her class, and later returned after the suspension ended. Despite that explanation, the dispute continues to fuel criticism on campus.