The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has reversed its suspension of Professor Nadera Shalhoub-Kevorkian, who denied crimes perpetuated by Hamas, on October 7.
In their statement, the university stated that the professor recanted her original allegation.
“In a meeting between the Rector of the Hebrew University, Prof. Tamir Shefer, and Prof. Nadera Shalhoub-Kevorkian, Shalhoub-Kevorkian clarified that, as a critical feminist researcher, she believes all victims and does not cast doubt in their words, and that she does not deny the fact that on October 7th there were cases of rape in the Gaza envelope. After receiving this clarification, as far as the university is concerned, nothing is preventing Prof. Shalhoub-Kevorkian from continuing to teach in the School of Social Work and Public Welfare,” the statement read.
Shalhoub-Kevorkian was originally suspended by Hebrew University for commenting on a local podcast about the fear she perceives Israelis have towards her when she speaks Arabic on the phone, suggesting that such fear is warranted because “criminals are always afraid,” reports Aruz Sheva. She further criticized Israeli control and power dynamics, arguing that Israel’s perceived strength is bolstered by international support rather than inherent power.
“That’s why they’re afraid because they can’t look us in the face. Their strength is the strength that the international community gives them. Yes, they have strength, and the strength doesn’t come from them, they don’t have power,” she said.
Shalhoub-Kevorkian also called for the abolition of “criminal” Zionism and stated that Israel operates as a “killing machine.”
