George Washington University appoints BDS supporter as interim dean
Feldman once participated in an unsuccessful attempt to have the American Anthropological Association (AAA) boycott Israeli academic institutions.
By OMRI RONGeorge Washington University(photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)
George Washington University announced as its new interim dean Ilana Feldman, currently vice dean of the Elliott School and professor of anthropology, history and international affairs, who has expressed on multiple occasions anti-Israeli and pro-BDS sentiments. She was appointed until they can find a permanent replacement, JNS reported.Feldman is temporarily replacing the former dean and veteran US diplomat, Reuben Brigety II, until a permanent appointment can be made.Feldman once participated in an unsuccessful attempt to have the American Anthropological Association (AAA) boycott Israeli academic institutions.In 2014 she condemned the actions of Israel during the Operation Protective Edge against rockets from Gaza, calling it: "the wholesale slaughter of a civilian population.”The GW For Israel organization has condemned her appointment in light of these views, saying in a press release that they fear Feldman's views and support of the BDS movement will affect the university's ability to allow for multiple viewpoints.The group emphasized "The importance of having an array of viewpoints and opinions within the faculty and administration at GW in order to provide students with the most well-rounded, educated frames of reference,” in their press release. “The outwardly anti-Israel sentiment Professor Feldman has repeatedly demonstrated will prevent [GW] from doing so while simultaneously targeting Israeli and Jewish students who have already faced harsh discrimination and hatred.”
