Swiss University Suspends Lecturer For Praising Hamas Attacks

The University of Bern in Switzerland has taken the decision to suspend a lecturer who made positive comments online regarding the unprecedented Hamas attacks that led to the deaths of 1,200 people in Israel and triggered a new wave of conflict. The university labeled the comments posted on social media as "unacceptable." While the specific platform was not mentioned, the University of Bern confirmed the remarks were made on what was formerly known as Twitter, now referred to as "X." The offending messages have since been removed, but reports suggest that one of the comments celebrated the Hamas attacks as the best birthday present one could ever receive, while the other made an ironic reference to the attacks coinciding with Saturday, the Jewish day of rest. The lecturer, who has not been named, has been suspended "with immediate effect" following a comprehensive evaluation of the situation, the university announced. Swiss authorities are also investigating the comments made by the lecturer for potential violations of the law. Responding to the suspension, the lecturer told the newspaper 20 Minuten, "I have always strongly criticized violence against civilians and attacks on Jews." He added, "For ideological reasons, I fundamentally reject the policies of Hamas and similar groups." The incident underscores the impact of online statements and social media in the current climate, where comments can lead to professional consequences, particularly when they touch upon sensitive geopolitical issues, like the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. The university's response reflects a broader commitment to maintaining standards of academic and professional conduct.