Website Linked to Anti-Israel Group Offers Bounties on Israeli Academics Worldwide

NEW YORK — November 23, 2025 — A website associated with an anti-Israel organization has reportedly posted bounties targeting Israeli academics at universities around the world, according to authorities and cybersecurity experts.

The site, which remains active despite efforts to take it down, allegedly offers monetary rewards for acts of violence against scholars identified as Israeli or affiliated with Israeli institutions. It also publishes personal information, including home addresses and contact details, of those targeted, raising concerns about the safety and privacy of academic professionals.

Officials monitoring the site described it as a coordinated effort to intimidate and endanger individuals based on their nationality and professional affiliations. The platform lists names of professors and researchers employed at prominent universities across multiple countries, making clear its global scope.

Cybersecurity analysts have warned that such online threats could incite real-world violence, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance by law enforcement and university security departments. “This is a disturbing development that puts innocent people at risk and undermines academic freedom,” one expert said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Universities named on the website have reportedly been notified and are reviewing their security protocols. Some institutions have issued statements condemning the threats and affirming their commitment to protecting faculty members.

Attempts to trace the operators of the website have been complicated by the use of anonymizing technologies and hosting services based in jurisdictions with limited cooperation in cybercrime investigations. Authorities continue to work with international partners to identify those responsible.

The emergence of this site follows a broader pattern of online harassment and targeted threats against individuals linked to contentious geopolitical issues. Experts note that the academic community, often engaged in open discourse and research, can become vulnerable in such environments.

Advocacy groups focused on academic freedom and human rights have called for swift action to shut down the platform and provide support to those targeted. They stress that protecting scholars from intimidation is essential to maintaining open and safe educational environments.

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing efforts to monitor and mitigate risks posed by the website. Law enforcement agencies urge anyone who encounters threats or suspicious activity related to this matter to report it promptly.

As of now, no violent incidents directly linked to the website’s bounties have been reported, but officials caution that the potential for harm remains significant. The case highlights the challenges posed by digital platforms used to facilitate and promote targeted harassment and violence across borders.