Israeli sprinter Gal Arad was forced this week to end his studies at the University of New Mexico abruptly amid escalating anti-Israel protests sweeping through American campuses.
Arad, who recorded the second-best result in Israeli history for the 200-meter dash (20.70 seconds) last week, was forced to return immediately to Israel after university officials informed him they were concerned about his safety and purchased him a plane ticket.
Anti-Israel activists have been escalating their protests similarly to the recent one at Columbia University. Last week, New Mexico police dismantled a protest encampment after weeks of demonstrations. Demonstrators took over the Student Union building, chanting "viva Palestine" and demanding the institution divest from companies affiliated with Israel.
University President Garnett Stokes took a soft stance on the issue, expressing her support for peace. However, she hinted that the school's next investments, to be announced in August, might be influenced by the protesters' demands.
This is Arad's third year at the university, where he is studying computer science and has been commended for his achievements. He will now have to find another institution to continue and complete his studies.
Arad confirmed the details but promised the Foreign Ministry, which is handling the case, that he would not address the issue. "It happened so quickly. The only thing I can say is that I will have to complete my third year and degree elsewhere," said Arad.
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Anti-Israel protest at University of New Mexico
(Photo: AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan)
Arad, 24, made his breakthrough this season despite disruptions to his training routine. He set a time of 20.62 seconds for the 200-meter dash in the United States. Although his result will not be recognized due to a tailwind of 2.1 meters per second, he has a personal record of 10.54 seconds in the 100-meter dash. He is considered one of the top athletes on the university team.
Due to his unexpected return to Israel, Arad participated in the Jerusalem Grand Slam on Monday, the first international competition in Israel since October 7, and finished fifth (20.83) in the 200-meter race, won by Blessing Afrifah.
The university vice president Eddie Nuñez said in response they did not at any point chose to send Gal home.
"Regarding Mr. Gal Arad, these are two separate situations. First, Gal was a track athlete here, but on April 2 he chose (on his own accord) to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. When Gal mentioned his interest to enter his name into the transfer portal, our coach, Mr. Darren Gauson, met with him and presented the opportunity to him to remain on the team for next season with his full scholarship. Coach Gauson, also mentioned to Gal that if he decided to put his name in the transfer portal, his scholarship would not be guaranteed for the next year, which is standard practice. Gal’s interest to enter the transfer portal is like so many other student-athletes here and across the country. If a student -athlete desires to transfer and move forward with the process, they clearly understand that with that decision comes certain ramifications that they must agree to prior to officially entering the NCAA Transfer Portal.
Second, regarding your statement about Gal being sent home by the university is not factual. Mr. Arad asked to be sent home as soon as possible, as he did not feel safe being here. As you are probably well aware, the University of New Mexico is no different than what most colleges are facing in regards to protest. I cannot speak to what Mr. Arad was feeling but we supported him on his decision to go back home. So again at no point did we choose to send him home, we supported his decision and also funded the opportunity for him to be able to travel back home.
First published: 23:11, 05.21.24