US professor suspended for alleged harassment of Muslim woman – ARAB TIMES – KUWAIT NEWS

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NEW YORK, May 12: A highly respected academic has been suspended from his position at the university following allegations of aggressive harassment and abuse against a Muslim woman, allegedly constituting a hate crime stemming from his pro-Israel stance. Jonathan Yudelman, a Zionist and Jewish political theory professor at Arizona State University, was suspended after a video emerged showing him alongside a well-known Israeli reservist, mocking the woman and hurling personal and religious insults at her .

The widely circulated footage from Arizona showed Yudelman, previously associated with prestigious institutions such as Princeton and Harvard universities and most recently at Arizona State University’s School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership, in a disturbing confrontation. Accompanied by Sammy Ben, an Israeli soldier associated with actions in Gaza, Yudelman can be seen aggressively approaching a Muslim woman in a hijab who appears to be trying to avoid the confrontation and objecting to the verbal insult .

While much of Yudelman’s speech is overshadowed by Ben’s louder statements, including phrases like “Go back to Iran” and “Go back to jihad,” Yudelman’s mockery of the woman’s objections and disregard for her religious boundaries is evident. Amid the confrontation, Yudelman interrupts the woman’s words with snide remarks, including, “I’m literally right in your face, that’s right!” and proceeds to make fun of her accent. Despite the woman’s pleas that he violate her religious boundaries, Yudelman persists with derogatory comments, further escalating the situation.

In response to bystanders calling the incident a hate crime, Ben and Yudelman confront them. Ben questions her views on past Israeli-Palestinian conflicts and asks her to reveal her identity. Another audience member’s plea for Palestinian freedom elicits a dismissive reaction from Ben, raising questions about the intent of his comments.

Yudelman’s conduct raises significant concerns about his ethics and professionalism, prompting his employer to suspend him pending an investigation. In addition to his academic position, Yudelman’s affiliation with the Tikvah Fund, a Zionist organization, and his previous social media activities spreading anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian content further exacerbate the situation.

The video, originally shared on social media by the Gaza Notifications account, has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability. It is a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the principles of respect and tolerance in academic environments, as institutions strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for all people.

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