Georgetown University Cuts Ties with UN Special Rapporteur Amid Antisemitism Allegations
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Georgetown University has severed its association with Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Palestinian issues, following mounting allegations of antisemitism and support for terrorism. The move comes after the watchdog group UN Watch publicly reported Albanese’s removal from its affiliated scholars list and called for U.S. government sanctions against her. Albanese has faced intense scrutiny for remarks deemed antisemitic and for rhetoric that critics say excuses violence against civilians.
UN Watch Executive Director Hillel Neuer has urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to block Albanese’s visa access, emphasizing the need for accountability when international legal figures propagate hateful and inflammatory language. The U.S. Department of State has not yet commented on any visa restrictions, but the pressure reflects growing concern over Albanese’s role within the United Nations.
Georgetown University’s decision marks a rare instance of a major academic institution distancing itself from a UN expert amid allegations of misconduct. Observers praised the university for upholding academic integrity and rejecting rhetoric that undermines peace and security. The controversy surrounding Albanese has also reignited debates about the politicization of Middle Eastern studies programs in American universities, with some experts calling for reforms to address bias and promote balanced scholarship.
The allegations against Albanese come amid broader global tensions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel has vocally criticized a UN-backed report on Gaza’s food insecurity, labeling it biased and alarmist. Israeli officials contend that the report ignored recent aid deliveries and relied on flawed data, accusing the International Planning Committee (IPC) of retrofitting evidence to portray a humanitarian crisis that does not meet famine thresholds. This dispute highlights ongoing disagreements over humanitarian assessments and the role of international agencies in conflict zones.
Meanwhile, antisemitic violence has continued to surge worldwide. In Australia, the father and son accused of the Bondi Beach Hanukkah shooting recorded a video manifesto espousing Islamic State–linked ideology and justifying their attack, according to police reports. The attack, which killed 15 people, has intensified calls for governments to enact stronger measures against hate crimes. Journalist Erin Molan publicly criticized Australian leaders for their “empty unity rhetoric” and lack of effective action, warning that words alone fail to deter extremists and only embolden them.
The Fox News “Antisemitism Exposed” newsletter, which tracks rising anti-Jewish prejudice globally, highlighted these developments as part of a disturbing trend. The newsletter also featured commentary from foreign policy analyst Lisa Daftari, who argued that many U.S. college Middle Eastern studies departments suffer from ideological bias and suggested radical reforms to restore credibility.
As the debate over antisemitism and academic freedom intensifies, Georgetown’s decisive break with Albanese may signal a shift toward greater vigilance against hate speech within educational and international institutions. The university’s action underscores the challenges faced by governments and civil society in confronting antisemitism while navigating the complexities of global diplomacy and academic discourse.
For more information on U.S. government policies regarding international sanctions and visa controls, visit the U.S. Department of State. Details on UN Watch’s activities and advocacy can be found at UN Watch. The ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza is monitored by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. For updates on hate crimes and law enforcement responses, see the FBI Hate Crimes Program.
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