Tel Aviv University Professor Convicted of Sexual Harassment

A senior professor at Tel Aviv University has been convicted by the university's disciplinary tribunal for sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct towards two senior staff members who reported directly to him. He was also found to have engaged in inappropriate behavior with a research assistant and a lab worker. The case was initially reported by journalist Lior Dattel in the Haaretz newspaper.

The tribunal sentenced the professor, who is reportedly around 80 years old, to a formal reprimand, a two-year suspension from supervising doctoral students, a one-year ban from academic conferences, and a year-long denial of research grants. The complainants requested that the professor's name be publicly disclosed, but the tribunal denied this, citing his clean criminal record, advanced age, and status as a world-renowned researcher.

Details from the indictment and ruling reveal disturbing statements and actions. One complainant recounted the professor suggesting she "be photographed in a bikini or completely naked" during a professional presentation. On another occasion, he commented on her dry lips, asking, "How do you kiss your husband with lips like that?" She also alleged he demeaned her professionally, calling her "stupid and spoiled" and stating she "understands nothing."

A similar pattern of behavior was described by a second complainant. The indictment details the professor repeatedly telling her he would prefer she "come with as little clothing as possible." During a photo session, he allegedly told her, "It's best if you come naked." The ruling also describes physical contact, with the professor hugging the second complainant while his hands moved down her waist, leaving her "completely frozen."

In a separate incident at a professional conference, the professor invited the same employee to his hotel room to "celebrate."