Leipzig University cancels lecture by Israeli professor after protests

The University of Leipzig has cancelled a lecture by Israeli historian Benny Morris planned for next week, reported dpa.

The reason for the cancellation were statements made by the historian, some of which could be read as offensive and even racist, the university announced. This had led to understandable but frightening protests from individual student groups.

Various groups had called on the Faculty of Theology to cancel the lecture as part of the lecture series ‘Traditions and Present of Anti-Semitism’. ‘Together with the security concerns that have arisen, these points mean that the lecture by Prof Benny Morris will not take place,’ the university said.

Critical discussion was planned

The purpose of the event with Morris was therefore a critical discussion, not an endorsement of his theories or later statements. The university emphasised that inviting speakers does not necessarily mean that they agree with their views: ‘We distance ourselves firmly from Prof. Morris’ controversial statements.’

Morris criticised the cancellation in the Israeli newspaper ‘Haaretz’ as ‘disgraceful’, above all because the reason was fear of possible violence by the students. The history professor spoke of ‘cowardice and appeasement par excellence’.