Students demonstrated outside of Dan Meridor’s talk. Image by Pinsker Centre/YouTube

(JTA) — Anti-Israel activists called former Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Dan Meridor a “war criminal” and called Israel a “terrorist state” during his appearance at a London university.

Meridor, who served in Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet from 2009 until 2013, spoke Tuesday night at King’s College in central London on the topic “Threats and Challenges.”

Students who arrived to attend the lecture said that they were threatened and intimidated by the protesters, the U.K. Jewish News reported.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis of the crisis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

Protesters’ screaming from outside the venue also reportedly interrupted the lecture, during which Meridor the failed peace process attempt by then-U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.

Kings College security men patrolled outside the lecture hall during the appearance, and only allowed those who registered for the event to enter. At the end of the event, organizers announced that the police had been called to allow attendees to leave the event safely. King’s College denies that police were called.

“It is appalling and concerning that at an academic institution of such high esteem as King’s College, which thrives on political diversity, student protesters would stoop so low as to threaten their fellow students and a former state official,” World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder said in a statement. “These students have shown a complete disregard for academic freedom and expression, and are sending a dangerous message that hostility and force are legitimate methods of protest.

A message from our editor-in-chief Jodi Rudoren

We're building on 127 years of independent journalism to help you develop deeper connections to what it means to be Jewish today.

With so much at stake for the Jewish people right now — war, rising antisemitism, a high-stakes U.S. presidential election — American Jews depend on the Forward's perspective, integrity and courage.

Become a member today and you'll directly support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly. 

—  Jodi Rudoren, Editor-in-Chief 

Join our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount