The visit of a controversial United Nations official to several London universities has ignited a firestorm of protests from pro-Israel activists and campaigners against antisemitism. Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, faces intense backlash over her recent report alleging that Israel is committing “genocide” in Gaza.
‘Ban Fran’ Campaign Targets UN Rapporteur
As Albanese arrived to speak at an event hosted by the London School of Economics (LSE) student union’s Grimshaw Club for international relations on Monday, she was greeted by dozens of protesters armed with “Ban Fran” banners. The Campaign Against Antisemitism, which organized the rally, declared that “Ms Albanese is not welcome at British universities.”
Similar demonstrations were planned at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), where Albanese was also slated to speak. However, a protest at Queen Mary University of London, scheduled for Tuesday, was called off due to alleged threats of violence from local residents’ groups.
Due to threats in local residents’ groups to engage in ‘Amsterdam-style’ violence against our planned protest tomorrow, it will not be proceeding.
Campaign Against Antisemitism spokesperson
Genocide Allegations Spark Outrage
The uproar stems from Albanese’s recent report, in which she not only accused Israel of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza but went further to suggest that the Jewish state is perpetrating a “genocide” against Palestinians. This explosive claim drew swift condemnation from American and Israeli officials.
The United Nations should not tolerate antisemitism from a UN-affiliated official hired to promote human rights.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US Ambassador to the UN
Albanese has defended her use of the term “genocide,” arguing that it was necessary to recognize the unique suffering of Palestinians. She compared the international community’s alleged failure to protect Palestinians to past failures in Europe, Bosnia, and Rwanda.
Universities Defend Free Speech Amid Calls for Bans
Despite the intense pressure from pro-Israel groups to cancel Albanese’s appearances, the universities hosting her have stood firm in their commitment to free speech and academic freedom. In a statement, an LSE spokesperson emphasized that students, staff, and visitors are “strongly encouraged to discuss and debate the most pressing issues around the world,” while condemning antisemitism and discrimination.
The increasing tendency of some political groups to demand that speakers they disagree with should be prevented from speaking is an approach we reject.
SOAS University of London spokesperson
The Union of Jewish Students has expressed concern about the “increasingly belligerent environment” on British campuses, urging universities to consider the impact of hosting Albanese on Jewish students. However, they stopped short of calling for an outright ban on her appearances.
Tensions Simmer as Debate Rages On
As Albanese’s UK visit continues, the controversy shows no signs of abating. Supporters defend her right to speak freely and critically about Israel’s actions, while detractors paint her as a biased, antisemitic voice unfit for the UN. The heated debate underscores the deep divisions and passions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, even as calls for peace and dialogue persist.
With tensions running high and protests erupting at every turn, Francesca Albanese’s controversial tour has thrust the simmering Israel-Gaza dispute back into the global spotlight. As the war of words rages on, the prospects for constructive dialogue and understanding seem to recede ever further into the distance.
