Jerusalem, Israel – The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is facing increased scrutiny following the arrest of Michael Wolfowicz, a criminology lecturer, on suspicion of kidnapping and assaulting a Palestinian man with the assistance of eight Israeli police officers and soldiers.
Palestinian students studying at various universities across Israel have raised their voices in protest by issuing an open letter condemning the Hebrew University’s perceived inaction regarding Wolfowicz’s alleged involvement in the incident.
Wolfowicz, a senior lecturer at the university’s criminology institute, was apprehended by the Department of Internal Police Investigations (DIPI) on Tuesday for his suspected role in causing severe injuries to Laith Awaine, a Palestinian resident near Bethlehem.
Despite denying his presence at the scene of the incident, which occurred in August, Wolfowicz faces accusations of aggravated assault, while other suspects are charged with the kidnapping of Awaine.
The Palestinian students’ letter called for Wolfowicz’s suspension pending the outcome of the investigation, asserting that someone who carries out such acts based on ethnicity should not be in a position to teach human rights or any other courses, particularly to Arab students.
According to details disclosed by DIPI, Awaine was allegedly assaulted in the Wadi Auja area of the occupied West Bank. Witnesses reported that he was beaten with tree branches and a rifle, then forced into a vehicle and abandoned miles away.
Awaine, still experiencing back pain from the ordeal, expressed relief at the arrests, stating, “I feel that I live in a lawful country”. He indicated that prior to the assault, he frequented the valley with friends but has refrained from doing so since.
Allegations were made that Awaine had ties to Hamas, though no evidence has surfaced to support these claims. Eyewitnesses identified the assailants as masked police officers and soldiers, mentioning the presence of a vehicle labeled “Border Guard.”
The incident sheds light on the intertwined nature of violence in Israeli society, with an Israeli scholar highlighting the alignment of various institutions and settler violence.
Wolfowicz’s previous remarks downplaying settler violence were underscored, with critics condemning his position within the criminology institute in light of the allegations against him.
The response from the Hebrew University administration following Wolfowicz’s arrest contrasted with actions taken against Palestinian academics in the past, raising questions about the institution’s handling of controversial situations.
The case has sparked fear and apprehension among Palestinian students, highlighting a sense of alienation and unease within the academic setting as they grapple with the implications of their presence on campus, particularly in the wake of such incidents.