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An American student of Palestinian origin is fighting for the right to participate in a graduate program at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Lara Alqasem, 22, was accepted into a master's program. She obtained a visa at the Israeli consulate in Miami. But when she arrived at Tel Aviv airport last week, the Israeli authorities refused to allow her to enter the country.
Last year, Israel passed a law authorizing the government to ban entry to foreign activists who support the BDS, the campaign calling for an international boycott, divestment and sanctions against the Jewish state. . BDS activists say they want to put pressure on Israel to promote the independence of Palestine. But the Israeli government sees the movement as an anti-Semitic campaign to delegitimize the country.
When Alqasem was at the University of Florida, she chaired a group called "Students for Justice in Palestine." For Israel's Minister of Strategic Affairs, Gilad Erdan, it's a kind of smoking gun. Erdan says that he will reconsider letting Alqasem enter Israel if she apologizes for her activism and gives up her support for the BDS.
Until now, she refuses.
Alqasem appeared in a Tel Aviv district court Thursday morning, wearing a long black cardigan, a gray turtleneck and black plastic goggles. She did not say a word.
Yotam Ben Hillel, one of Alqasem's lawyers, has testified in court today, explaining that she had left the group of student activists a year ago. and half. And in any case, the group has only eight members. Hillel said that Alqasem has never publicly called for a boycott of Israel, and that Israeli officials are relying on Facebook and on the record of a shady group anti-Israel. Palestinian to plead their case against this American student.
"Take your hands off the keyboard and your heads on the screens," Hillel told the court. "How is it possible that a student of 19 or 20 years at the university was a central boycott activist?"
State lawyer Yossi Zadok painted a very different picture of Alqasem. He described her as a committed BDS activist who protested against Israel and who supported a terrorist. Zadok also pointed out that Alqasem had suppressed his social media accounts prior to his arrival in Israel, suggesting that it was a common tactic among anti-Israeli agitators.
"We are looking at stocks, we have clear criteria and we believe that Ms. Alqasem meets these criteria, based on her actions and the actions of the organization of which she was the chief executive for several years," said Asher. Fredman, advisor with the Ministry of Strategic Affairs of Israel.
Leora Bechor, another Alqasem lawyer, said her client would not apologize.
"The fact that Erdan asks him, he asks to penalize his thoughts, to humiliate him and to pretend that BDS is illegitimate," Bechor said.
Alqasem had planned to study at the Hebrew University, itself targeted by BDS activists. But the university supports the petition of Alqasem. Pepi Yekireveich, Legal Advisor at the Hebrew University, has asked the judge to allow this American student to study in Israel, where she will realize that it is a matter for her. a democratic state and not a state of apartheid.
"This is the person who will improve Israel's reputation," said Yekirevich.
The Israeli district court judge has not made a decision today.
Alqasem has left the room and will return to detention at a facility near Tel Aviv airport. The US Embassy has announced that it would provide consular assistance, including social assistance visits, according to an on-site official.
Israeli lawmaker Mossi Raz of the left-wing Meretz party said he and two colleagues were visiting Alqasem. Raz said that her situation was unbearable and that she should be allowed to stay and study in Israel.
"I fear that the pressure exerted by the right [putting on the system], put pressure on the court again and again, ask problems in court for it to decide and make a just decision, "Raz said.
A man came to trial Thursday as a spectator. Aharon Gottlieb was wearing a suit and was sitting in a corner, a blue and white Israeli flag draped around his shoulders. Aharon Gottlieb is a Brazilian Jew who has just settled in Israel. As a Jewish person, he is entitled to citizenship according to the law of return.
"We have to make sure our enemies do not come to the country," Gottlieb said.
This is a point of view shared by many Israelis. In front of the courtyard, Malka Weinstein sipped a cappuccino with friends.
"Not all Western countries let such people into their countries," said Weinstein. "If you speak against this country, do not go there. Go to a place where you believe, not in a place that you think is bad, "said Weinstein. "It is not Israel that is so racist or opposed, countries must defend themselves." Courses at the Hebrew University will begin next week.
The program to which Alqasem has been accepted is entitled "Human Rights and Transitional Justice". A political caricature of the Israeli liberal newspaper Haaretz today describes Alqasem sitting in his cell. A guard told him, "This is the practical part of the course."
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