Prof Stephen Hawking 'boycotts' major Israel conference

BBC News

8 May 2013 Last updated at 06:53 ET

Prof Hawking was lobbied by pro-Palestinian groups

UK cosmologist Prof Stephen Hawking has withdrawn from a high-profile Israeli conference, apparently in support of an academic boycott of the country.

The British Committee for the Universities of Palestine said Prof Hawking had taken advice and acted based on "his knowledge of Palestine".

A University of Cambridge spokesman told the BBC the renowned scientist had approved the BRICUP statement.

Event organisers criticised the move as contrary to Prof Hawking's values.
The June conference will celebrate the 90th birthday of Israeli President Shimon Peres.

'Personal reasons'

  Prof Hawking had been due to give an address at the Israeli Presidential Conference in Jerusalem, where previous speakers include Tony Blair, George W Bush and Dr Henry Kissinger.

“The academic boycott against Israel is in our view outrageous and improper” Israel Maimon Israeli Presidential Conference chairman

 

"The situation is that he's discussed it with fellow academics and has decided, for personal reasons, not to attend the conference in June," a university spokesman said.

His decision follows a campaign, led by Palestinian and pro-Palestinian groups, to persuade the 71-year-old to withdraw from the conference.

A statement published by BRICUP with Prof Hawking's approval said: "This is his independent decision to respect the boycott, based upon his knowledge of Palestine, and on the unanimous advice of his own academic contacts there."

'Bizarre'

  Conference organisers sharply criticised Prof Hawking's decision to withdraw.
"The academic boycott against Israel is in our view outrageous and improper, certainly for someone for whom the spirit of liberty lies at the basis of his human and academic mission," conference chairman Israel Maimon said in a statement.

A spokesman for the Fair Play group, which campaigns against boycotts of Israel, described the scientist's withdrawal as "bizarre".

"Prof Hawking could have joined the conference and explained his views on the conflict in the region, just as many other participants have done.

"By boycotting the conference, he has thrown away this opportunity and will help nobody."

"Bizarre"? To have morals and be against a European colonial occupation and takeover of Palestine by force of arms?
Bizarre to not want to be associated with these proven liars who are all responsible for the loss of thousands of unnecessary lives, Tony Blair, George W Bush and Dr Henry Kissinger? We think not.  Thank you, Stephen Hawking, for showing us what great minds think of Zionism. Another great mind, Albert Einstein, was also a critic of unfettered Zionist aggression and occupation of Palestine.