Français
Español
English
Portuguese
The dismissal comes after the school faced criticism over earlier decisions to block Israel-linked events and speakers.
By Shula Rosen
A UK-based school trust has dismissed a diversity, equity, and inclusion coordinator after social media posts in which she praised those responsible for the October 7 attacks and rejected portrayals of Israel as a victim.
Saima Akhtar, who served as diversity and inclusion coordinator at Cabot Learning Federation (CLF), a multi-academy trust that operates Bristol Brunel Academy, was fired following the posts.
In one message, Akhtar described Palestinians as “heroes fighting for justice.” She also accused Western governments and media of enabling “ethnic cleansing and genocide.”
In another post made a day after the October 7 massacre, Akhtar urged readers to ignore what she called “media attempts to paint Israel as a victim.”
The dismissal comes after the school faced criticism over earlier decisions to block Israel-linked events and speakers.
The institution had canceled a scheduled appearance by Labour MP Damien Egan, who is vice-chair of Labour Friends of Israel, after planned protests by National Education Union (NEU) members among its staff and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, according to The Daily Mail.
The school also barred a speaker from Israeli-owned Check Point software technologies from attending a summer conference in July.
Cabot Learning Federation, which oversees Bristol Brunel Academy, had been under pressure over how it handled both the canceled parliamentary visit and the exclusion of the Israeli-linked company representative.
The developments reflect ongoing tensions in UK educational institutions over responses to the October 7 attacks, public statements by staff, and decisions involving Israel-related engagement.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!
