Sydney Uni probe after academic calls for Zionists to be ‘executed like Nazis’

A University of Sydney academic has published a tweet calling for Zionists to be ‘executed like we executed Nazis’, sparking condemnation and an investigation by the institution.

A University of Sydney academic has published a tweet calling for Zionists to be “executed like we executed Nazis”, sparking condemnation and an immediate investigation by the top education institution.

Palestinian activist and academic Fahad Ali, who works as a sessional academic at the university, published the post on X on Thursday that read: “F..k sanctions, I want Zionists executed like we executed Nazis”.

The post was marked by X as breaching its rules against violent speech, but Mr Ali then took a screenshot of the hidden post and republished it on Friday.

“‘Violent speech’ – people are on this website every single day celebrating the burning children alive, don’t tell me wanting to see these people hanged like the Nazis were post-Nuremberg is ‘violent’,” he wrote above a screenshot of the post.

A University of Sydney spokeswoman said it was investigating.

Fahad Ali’s post on X, which has sparked an investigation by Sydney Uni.

“We’re appalled by these comments and consider them utterly unacceptable, and are immediately undertaking a review,” she said.

“As this is a personal account, determining whether they might constitute illegal activity would be a matter for police.

“Support is available for every member of our community who may need it.”

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-CEO Alex Ryvchin told the Telegraph: “We have seen some despicable statements these past few years but a call for Zionists to be executed made by someone linked to one of our top universities reaches a new level.”

“We are pleased that the university has swiftly condemned this but a call for Zionists to be executed warrants decisive action,” Mr Ryvchin said.

“There is a fundamental question here of safety to students and staff, the reputation of the university, and the standards of human conduct that we either accept or reject.”

Australian Jewish Association Robert Gregory said: “This post is reprehensible and appears to be calling for violence. Police and the University of Sydney need to take these threats seriously.”

The tweet quickly drew the attention of other social media users, with one woman writing to the university: “Why are you employing a person who openly encourages Jews to be murdered? What are you doing to protect Jews, Israelis and their friends on campus?”

The tweet comes at a time when the issue of how the Israel-Palestine conflict has been affecting Sydney University campus has been under the spotlight.

The university’s chancellor David Thodey and vice-chancellor Mark Scott recently admitted they did “not get everything right” when trying to handled protests following the October 7 Hamas attacks in 2023.

These included a pro-Palestinian camp on the university’s lawns.

Fahad Ali at the University of Sydney when he was a student in 2017. Picture: Hollie Adams

“Many universities around the globe did not fully anticipate the impact on their campus life of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East – and the University of Sydney was no different,” Mr Thodey and Mr Scott said.

“We did not get everything right as we responded to widespread protests triggered by the events of October 7 2023 and their aftermath, and there are clearly differing views on our responses to certain events, particularly the encampment on our quadrangle lawns.

“We have committed to learn from these hugely challenging and complex events – and the experiences of other universities around the world – and to listen to those who would work with us to ensure our campuses are safe and welcoming for all.”

Mr Ali has previously appeared at political rallies in which he has targeted Israel in speeches.

“It’s a kind of unique arrogance on the part of the settlers to think they can keep a population of 2 million people captive indefinitely and expected no consequences,” he said in 2023.

“It’s been 75 years and we’ve finally taken back our land.”

Originally published as Sydney Uni probe after academic calls for Zionists to be ‘executed like Nazis’