The University of Bern in Switzerland announced the closure of the "Institute for Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies" following a pro-Palestinian post by one of its academic members. The administration of the University of Bern stated in a statement that the decision to close the institute in its current form was based on the findings of a report prepared as part of an administrative investigation. They added that the work related to the subject would be "reorganized."
University President Christian Loman condemned "all forms of violence and discrimination" in the statement, considering the academic's post (whose name was not mentioned) as "anti-Semitic." He stated: "The issue relates to the current debate on discrimination between religions, particularly anti-Semitism." Previously, one academic at the institute was dismissed after posting a positive comment regarding Hamas's response to Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel continues its warfare despite the UN Security Council's resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, as well as directives from the International Court of Justice to take immediate measures to prevent "genocide" and improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
