An Israeli academic institution may be losing some of its donors, as a result of it not taking extreme measures against students who supported the Hamas massacre on October 7, which resulted in the massacre of more than 1,400 Israelis and the kidnapping of more than 240.
The Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, an emblem of academic excellence in Israel, is navigating a tumultuous situation that encapsulates the intersection of social media conduct, donor influence, and the challenge of maintaining an environment conducive to diverse viewpoints while condemning hate and extremism.
Jonathan David, an American-Israeli philanthropist and founder of the David Foundation, has been a beacon of support for the university, channeling substantial funds into scholarships and cancer research. The foundation has not only bolstered academic pursuits but also served as a lifeline for underrepresented communities, notably with the Leaders of the Future program, creating pathways for Ethiopian students in STEM education.
The Technion administration has reiterated its steadfast commitment to a zero-tolerance stance against expressions of support for terrorism across all communication channels.
In the immediate aftermath of the deplorable events of October 7th, and facing allegations of social media posts condoning terrorism, Technion officials promptly denounced such expressions in the strongest terms. A clear message was sent to both the campus community and the general public that any form of endorsement for terrorism stands in stark violation of Technion’s values and will not be tolerated under any circumstances. It was also asserted that accusations of such gravity would be thoroughly examined, assuring that due process would be meticulously followed, dismissing any notion of superficial or summary judgments.
A task force, led by a vice president and assisted by a legal counsel, was constituted by the president to meticulously assess the validity of complaints lodged against 46 individuals. It emerged that roughly a quarter of the accused were not affiliated with Technion as students or staff. In nearly half of the instances, the allegations were found to be unsubstantiated or the complaints deemed unfounded. Ultimately, four cases merited referrals to the Technion’s Disciplinary Court for Students for potential charges.
To this point, the court has enacted provisional measures, namely the interim suspension and barring from Technion premises of three individuals, pending a conclusive judgment. The Technion investigations are coordinated with the police.
While we take these issues with utmost seriousness, it is crucial to recognize that these instances are not indicative of a widespread problem but are rather isolated occurrences. The frequency of such incidents at Technion aligns with statistics from other academic institutions across Israel.
It is unfortunate that certain entities continue to circulate a particular narrative on social media platforms that lacks substantiated updates and relies on recycled content. Such actions appear to be deliberately designed to manipulate the current atmosphere of distress, with the intention of exacerbating divisions within our society and across the campus.
Technion Arab students posting support for massacre
The present crisis arose when several Arab students at the Technion posted on social media support for the Hamas massacre. David, disturbed by these developments, communicated his apprehension and potential repercussions in no uncertain terms, in an email seen by The Jerusalem Post: “Our family and board are deeply disturbed by this news and we hereby ask that you declare your policy and plan of action regarding these specific students named in the Facebook link.”
In the video, posted on Facebook, were screenshots and translations of posts and content that Technion students shared on October 7 and afterward, supporting the killing of civilians. One student wrote: “The truth is that this is the best day in the history since we were born. It’s the best morning I have ever had, the best coffee I drank.”
A student in her senior year at the Technion shared a Hamas spokesman’s quote supporting “destroying the Zionist enterprise.” A third student asked “Why are you outraged that they [Gazans] would resist? Do you expect Gazans to lay down and die?” A different student published a photo of a stolen IDF jeep and wrote “Happy New Year.”
Another Technion student wrote on October 7 that nothing about today is “unprovoked.”
David’s email suggested a critical juncture for the Technion, as he alluded to a potential withdrawal of support reminiscent of similar actions by Jewish and Israeli donors at other elite institutions, pointing out, “It cannot be the case that universities right here in Israel would tolerate such reprehensible conduct within their student body.”
In contrast, the email response from the Technion, delivered by Professor Wayne D. Kaplan, sought to provide a nuanced picture, underscoring the institution’s diligence in addressing the issue. Prof. Kaplan’s letter, also seen by the Post, detailed the inquiry into the implicated students:
“Eleven individuals were identified...one had no factual affiliation with our institution… one claim was a false accusation which caused significant damage to the accused student...two cases are under deliberation by the disciplinary court...seven allegations were deemed to be unfounded.”
David responded to Kaplan, saying that he doesn’t see these posts on social media as “allegations,” rather “They are posts of content which speak for themselves… Therefore I don’t understand what you mean by ‘unfounded’? It sounds like you still have not actually read the material.”
David added: “I would like to understand more about what standards are governing your ‘disciplinary system’. One temporary suspension resulting from these 11 posts raises troubling questions about your process. In the end, it’s about results.”
He concluded by encouraging Kaplan and Technion president Uri Sivan “to get personally involved in the merits of these cases.” He added that, “Given that I am not satisfied with your results thus far, I’m continuing to raise awareness about this and you will be hearing from me and others,” David wrote.
He told the Post, off the record, of a number of other philanthropists who are also considering stopping their donations to the Technion. “If Jewish philanthropists stop funding American universities that won’t fight antisemitism, why should we be supporting Israeli universities that won’t take action against supporters of Hamas?” David told the Post.
The university added in response that “in the immediate aftermath of the deplorable events of October 7th, and facing allegations of social media posts condoning terrorism, Technion officials promptly denounced such expressions in the strongest terms. A clear message was sent to both the campus community and the general public that any form of endorsement for terrorism stands in stark violation of Technion’s values and will not be tolerated under any circumstances. It was also asserted that accusations of such gravity would be thoroughly examined, assuring that due process would be meticulously followed, dismissing any notion of superficial or summary judgments.
“A task force, led by a vice president and assisted by a legal counsel, was constituted by the president to meticulously assess the validity of complaints lodged against 46 individuals. It emerged that roughly a quarter of the accused were not affiliated with Technion as students or staff. In nearly half of the instances, the allegations were found to be unsubstantiated or the complaints deemed unfounded. Ultimately, four cases merited referrals to the Technion’s Disciplinary Court for Students for potential charges.
“To this point, the court has enacted provisional measures, namely the interim suspension and barring from Technion premises of three individuals, pending a conclusive judgment. The Technion’s investigations are coordinated with the police.”
It added “While we take these issues with utmost seriousness, it is crucial to recognize that these instances are not indicative of a widespread problem but are rather isolated occurrences. The frequency of such incidents at Technion aligns with statistics from other academic institutions across Israel. It is unfortunate that certain entities continue to circulate a particular narrative on social media platforms that lacks substantiated updates and relies on recycled content. Such actions appear to be deliberately designed to manipulate the current atmosphere of distress, with the intention of exacerbating divisions within our society and across the campus.”