The Ombudsman of Portugal delivered a strong rebuke to the University of Coimbra in early 2026 after a thorough investigation into the sustained campaign of antisemitic harassment faced by Bar Harel, a Jewish-Israeli PhD candidate. This ruling came in response to a pattern of incidents, including graffiti and stickers featuring swastikas and slogans such as “Zionists should carry a certificate to prove they’re human.”
These acts of intimidation intensified following the Hamas attacks, and Harel reported receiving death threats and physical assaults, including violence for simply displaying an Israeli flag. The university administration, however, dismissed these occurrences as expressions of "freedom of speech," reflecting a troubling culture of negligence towards antisemitism on campus.
The Ombudsman characterized the university’s response as a "grave abuse of authority," ordering it to take formal reparative measures and adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism. Harel ultimately gave up his doctorate and left Portugal, citing inadequate support and security concerns.
Adding to the controversy, shortly after the Ombudsman’s findings were publicized, the University of Coimbra hosted the Palestinian ambassador, a move viewed by many as hypocritical, considering the prevailing climate of antisemitism on campus.
The Ombudsman’s ruling marks a critical step in addressing these antisemitic issues within educational institutions and highlights the urgent need for universities to actively protect the welfare of all students, regardless of their background. As the debate over these incidents continues, it underscores the broader implications for combating prejudice and fostering a safe academic environment.
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