Mordechai Kedar’s controversial visit to Hunter postponed

Hillel blamed ‘unexpected reactions, knee jerk responses and a lack of intellectual due diligence’

Hunter Hillel released a statement earlier today announcing the postponement of the Merdecahai Kedar’s visit to Hunter this Tuesday, February 4th.

The statement released by Hunter Hillel says: “We underestimated the response and level of provocation that would result from our invitation to Moshe Kedar to return to our campus for another program.

“We have seen in the past days unexpected reactions, knee jerk responses to unfounded statements, and a lack of intellectual due diligence from both the Hunter community and external parties.

“In light of the unanticipated response, we realized that the venue is simply unable to accommodate the planned event.

“Although we embrace our freedom of speech and the confrontation that may result in the exercise of those rights, we feel that in this environment and under these circumstances, it is untenable.

“We have shared our concerns with Dr. Kedar and the program will be rescheduled to later in the semester when we can reserve an appropriate venue and prepare accordingly so that everyone who wishes to attend can do so. “

The announcement comes as a welcoming surprise for some as news of Kedar’s arrival spurred a backlash from various students and organizations in Hunter and in New York City.

When asked about the recent change of plans, Nerdeen Kiswani, the vice president of Students for Justice in Palestine, said: “Although this is a small victory, since it didn’t cancel the event all together, it was part of a much larger needed conversation at Hunter that says we won’t stand for rape and genocide advocates on our campuses.

“When we stand together and say that loud enough, when we organize against it, we do have an impact.”

Hunter Hillel welcomed the discussion, saying: “We are also considering the idea of using this platform as part of a larger series to discuss these issues in a more strategic and public way.

“We welcome input from individuals and groups with respect to ways and means to accomplish that goal.”

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