BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Indiana University officials have asked IU Hillel to postpone their Tuesday night event, "The Truth About Hamas and Israel," which would have featured Mosab Hassan Yousef, the so-called son of the founding member of Hamas.
"In response to credible security information that raises concerns for the safety of speakers and attendees, IU has regretfully asked Hillel to postpone Tuesday evening’s event at Wilkinson Hall. As outlined in the university’s free speech policy, IU expects civility and respect between members of our campus community, as well as those visiting. IU, as a public research university, must serve as a home for the free exchange of ideas while simultaneously ensuring the safety of all members of our campus community."
IU Spokesperson
Yousef published a book in 2010 detailing his decision to leave Hamas for Israel. He took to Twitter Monday night, criticizing the decision, saying the event will likely be rescheduled for the fall.
"This is how the Muslim minority in America exploits freedoms to intimidate and silence their political opponents," Yousef wrote in the post. "What will happen if they become a majority?"
The Anti-Defamation League Midwest issued the following statement Monday night:
"We are dismayed by the forced postponement of Tuesday's IU Hillel event featuring Mosab Hassan Yousef. The event was supported by the lU Department of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and was cancelled at lU's request based on the threat of protests by individuals who harass and intimidate to spread their extreme, hateful, and antisemitic views. We are disappointed IU leadership gave in.
Our most urgent request of campus administrators has always been to ensure the safety of Jewish students and the security of events hosted by Jewish cultural groups and fraternities. We appreciate all the IU administration has done to date in this area, which makes this request even more surprising.
Since October 7, there has been a steady drumbeat of anti-Israel sentiment on college campuses, including on IU campuses around the state, that regularly cross the line into blatant antisemitism. These campaigns are well-funded and allowed to proceed despite actions aimed at making Jews feel unsafe and unwelcomed on college campuses."
ADL Midwest
IUSTV News reached out to the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for confirmation if the event was supported the DEI office, but did not hear back at the time of publication.
A replacement event, featuring Betsy Borns, a writer and producer in Hollywood, will take place at Hillel on Tuesday night instead, according to IU Hillel's Instagram.
A rally is also planned to begin at 6:30 p.m. in Dunn Meadow.
"We’ve proven that with our large presence we are able to combat Islamophobia in our communities," a Instagram post for the event read. "Now it’s time to mobilize to demand accountability from the institutions platforming Islamophobes and from IU to hold IU Hillel, the organizers of the Mosab Hassan Youssef event, accountable."
