Foto:Imam Tom Facchine/Hamilton college
The global academic community is facing another controversy as Imam Tom Facchine, an Islamic scholar and spiritual authority, made a bold statement that has already sparked widespread reactions. During a meeting with the group “Students for Justice in Palestine” in New York, Facchine called for aggressive actions against Israeli professor Shay Davidai, who teaches at Columbia University.
The imam’s statement, which was recorded on video, was striking in its directness. Facchine explicitly called for the professor to be “silenced” and for “calamities to befall him to neutralize him.” Facchine also expressed confidence that another hundred Jewish professors would “fall silent” after witnessing what happens to Shay following the implementation of these calls to action.
Professor Davidai did not remain silent on the matter, responding on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), expressing outrage at both the imam’s remarks and the university’s stance. “Hello, Columbia University. Is it acceptable that a group of students who support terrorism invites an imam who openly endorses Hamas?” Davidai wrote.
The professor reminded the public that the group “Students for Justice in Palestine” has repeatedly organized illegal actions on campus and publicly supports terrorist activities. He also pointed out that Facchine fervently supported the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which has left a deep mark on contemporary Israeli-Palestinian relations.
This is not the first time Davidai has found himself targeted by anti-Zionist and anti-Israel activists at Columbia University. In April 2024, the university administration even temporarily revoked his campus access in an attempt to disrupt a pro-Israel event organized by the professor.
The unfolding situation raises numerous questions about academic freedom, the right to free expression, and safety within higher education institutions. Against the backdrop of global geopolitical conflicts, such confrontations are taking on new dimensions, sparking discussions not only within academic circles but also among the general public.
Will the university administration be able to resolve this conflict and ensure the safety of its staff? That remains to be seen, but the situation requires urgent action to prevent further escalation.
As reported by Time Ukraine Israel, citing Vesty.co.il, the incident has already become the subject of investigation by law enforcement agencies. Columbia University administration has stated that they are examining the situation and working on a compromise to protect the interests of all parties involved.
