MK Ahmad Tibi
Photo: Dudi Vaaknin
Tibi lecture at yeshiva cancelled due to pressure
Beer Yaakov Yeshiva calls off scheduled lecture by Arab MK after benefactors hint will stop funds. "We were told it was inappropriate to bring man whose opinions oppose our mindset, especially when this man identifies with the enemy of the Jewish people,' director says. 'It's a pity, I planned on answering every question,' Tibi says
The Beer Yaakov Yeshiva, one of the largest yeshivas of the Lithuanian stream, cancelled at the last minute a lecture by Arab MK Ahmad Tibi (United Arab List - Ta'al) due to pressure and threats from benefactors.
Tibi told Ynet that the yeshiva's educational director Rabbi David Rot called him Sunday evening to inform him of the cancellation. "He told me that the pressure was too much for him and so, he regretfully had to call off the lecture. I responded saying, 'I am sorry you are being threatened. I was willing to come and answer all your students' questions.'"
In recent weeks the MK was approached by representatives of the yeshiva on a number of occasions, asking that he speak before its students. "They spoke to my assistants," Tibi said. "At first I was hesitant, but eventually, I said yes."
He said he was told by the yeshiva that the students were eager to hear from him, despite the fact that they disagree with his opinions.
The lecture was meant to take place Tuesday afternoon, but on Sunday, an embarrassed Rot phoned Tibi and told him he was being pressure by donors to call off the lecture, or they would stop their donations to the establishment.
Tibi in response said, "While you are not my target audience, I did agree to come to hear and be heard, so it is a pity it had to end this way."
'Inappropriate lecturer'
The MK has spoken in major yeshivas of various religious streams in Israel in the past. "Usually, they ask me about Jewish-Arab relations," he said."They are very interested in hearing about my relations with MKs from the United Torah Judaism, and this time, as well, I planned on answering every question that was asked," he added.
Rabbi Rot confirmed that Tibi was scheduled to give a lecture at the yeshiva, and that it was called off. "The MK was supposed to come and speak before over 200 yeshiva students that wanted to hear him and ask questions.
"The moment the matter was published, we started being pressured, both from within the ultra-Orthodox public and from donors around the world, people who are affiliated with the Right.
"We were told that it was inappropriate to bring a man whose opinions oppose our mindset, especially when this is a man who identifies with the enemy of the Jewish people. We weren't really threatened, but it was clear to us that if he had come to lecture, it would have been maddening. Therefore, we had to cancel the lecture and we were very sorry to do so," he said.
