On social media, a Hebrew University professor called Israel an apartheid state and IDF soldiers “terrorists,” hoping for a “lightning bolt” to strike them down.
In response to Israel’s recent demolition of illegal Arab buildings in Wadi al-Hummus in eastern Jerusalem, senior Hebrew University of Jerusalem Professor Amiram Goldblum called the IDF soldiers involved in the demolition of the buildings “Jewish terrorists” and wished for a “lightning bolt” to strike them down.
“If there was a God, he would’ve brought down a lightning bolt on the Jewish terrorists who destroyed the home,” Goldblum wrote on Facebook.
In the same post, Goldblum called Israel an “apartheid state” and said that he hopes the Palestinians will seek revenge.
“The ‘caligae’ [derogatory term for soldiers] of the apartheid state Israel are demolishing homes in Area A of miserable Palestinians in a modern method,” he posted. “I hope that the home will avenge its blood against its destroyers and the ones who gave the orders.”
Goldblum, who serves on the public council of the far-left New Israel Fund, is an outspoken critic of Israel.
In June 2018, Goldblum called student activists from the right-wing Im Tirtzu organization “Nazi dogs” and threatened to prevent them from getting accepted into advanced degree programs.
Hebrew University did not condemn Goldblum’s comments.
“It is not the place of the university to comment on peoples’ private lives. In the same way, if a doctor were to make some statements, you are not going to now speak with the hospital; he is a private person,” Tali Aronsky, Hebrew University’s spokesperson told the Jerusalem Post.
“As long as it’s happening outside the classroom it is not the university’s place to comment on it,” said Aronsky.
“It is disgraceful to see how a professor who teaches in a publicly funded university and receives his salary from the Israeli taxpayer calls IDF soldiers ‘terrorists’ and writes that he hopes harm befalls them,” Im Tirtzu spokesperson Matan Peleg stated.
“While he is drinking his espresso in Hebrew University’s cafeteria, these same soldiers are working day and night to ensure his safety. Rather than disgustingly inciting against IDF soldiers, Goldblum should focus his time on actually doing his job,” Peleg said.
Goldblum is a public figure and an educator. He should serve as a role model for students rather than inciting hatred and violence against the young men and women who protect the country and its citizens – including the professor. He must apologize for his hateful and dangerous remarks.
The University Must Condemn Goldblum’s Incitement Against the IDF.
Here is what YOU can do to help. Send emails to:
Hebrew University President Prof. Asher Cohen – hupres@savion.huji.ac.il
Hebrew University spokesperson Tali Aronsky – taliaron@savion.huji.ac.il
