The Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center has announced the inclusion of Dalal Saeb Iriqat, a Palestinian professor known for her radical views on Israel, in their Middle East Dialogues series scheduled for March 7, 2024. Iriqat, who teaches diplomacy and conflict resolution at the Arab American University in Ramallah, has previously made headlines for her comments on the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
During an October 7 attack by Hamas terrorists that resulted in the massacre of Israeli civilians, Iriqat took to social media to describe the violence as a “normal human struggle for freedom,” sparking widespread controversy. Her statements, which seemed to justify the attacks, included criticism of international reactions and support for Israel, implying that the Israeli government’s actions had led to the bloodshed.
Iriqat’s remarks have continued to draw attention, with subsequent posts denouncing Israeli claims about the conflict and even promoting conspiracy theories. Her alignment with Hamas and criticism of those condemning the attacks have fueled debates about her stance on violence and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The professor’s upcoming appearance at Harvard has raised concerns among critics, who argue that her controversial views could contribute to a biased narrative on campus. This event comes at a time when Harvard University faces scrutiny and legal challenges over accusations of enabling antisemitism and failing to protect Jewish students from harassment.
Iriqat’s inclusion in the speaker series, which aims to foster dialogue and understanding about the Middle East, highlights the complexities of discussing peace and conflict in an academic setting. Other notable speakers in the series include Jared Kushner, Salam Fayyad, Einat Wilf, and Matt Duss, each representing diverse perspectives on the region’s issues.
Harvard’s decision to host Iriqat reflects the institution’s commitment to presenting a range of viewpoints, despite the controversy surrounding some of the speakers’ past statements. The university’s efforts to engage in open inquiry and debate on divisive topics underscore the challenges and importance of academic freedom in addressing global conflicts.