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 denied the incidents and claimed there was no evidence. Harel collected hundreds of antisemitic stickers as proof, which he kept at home.

After publishing a research paper, the threats escalated with personal posters bearing his name appearing on campus and hateful messages spreading on social media. The university advised him not to approach the faculty for his safety, a recommendation Harel described as "completely absurd." Following the escalation and widespread distribution of hateful materials in the city, he stayed confined to student housing on the advice of the Israeli embassy and ultimately left Portugal based on guidance from Israel's Foreign Ministry. During this period, he received support from a Portuguese student and a Palestinian student from Hebron.

The Portuguese State Comptroller found the university violated the law by ignoring the antisemitism complaints and disregarding recommendations. This led to a formal complaint to the Portuguese Prime Minister and the initiation of a criminal investigation against the university. The university continues to deny the allegations. The case has drawn significant attention amid growing protests against antisemitism at the institution.