Over two dozen students protested yesterday outside Brasenose College during a talk by alumnus and former Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy. Following Nikki Haley’s event at Blavatnik School of Government last week, this was the second time a controversial speaker was announced at short notice.
Protesters organised by Oxford Action for Palestine (OA4P) sat outside the college gate, temporarily trapping students and fellows inside. A student trapped inside told Cherwell that when they attempted to get out, they were “tramping over protesters who grabbed and scratched and screamed”. Protesters also yelled “Shame! Shame!” at people leaving and asked questions like “How do you feel about a genocidal maniac speaking at your college?”
According to a flyer posted inside Brasenose the day of Levy’s event, it “will be a valuable opportunity to gain some insight into the current conflicts in the Middle East, from somebody right at the centre of the events”.
OA4P called for an emergency rally about an hour before the event, alleging that Levy’s event was not announced until the last minute: “As has been patterned in recent talks this term, the University deliberately concealed the identity of the speaker until shortly before the event began, to avoid rightful accountability and reputation damage.”
This follows last week’s OA4P protests outside a Blavatnik School of Government (BSG) event featuring former US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley. OA4P alleged: “BSG clearly knew that the Oxford community would not welcome Haley’s presence, given that the School hid her identity as the Dean’s Forum speaker from the student body until this morning.”
Brasenose and BSG did not respond when Cherwell asked about the dates of announcing Levy and Haley as speakers respectively.
A Brasenose spokesperson told Cherwell: “Brasenose College values open dialogue and the exchange of diverse perspectives. The event, organised by students, provided an opportunity to engage with a speaker and alumnus who has held a prominent role in public affairs. We acknowledge that the speaker’s previous comments have sparked debate and took steps to ensure the event proceeded safely for all involved.
“Some disruption occurred, affecting some students, staff and visitors, but normal access resumed shortly thereafter. We respect the right of individuals to voice their views through peaceful protest and remain committed to fostering an inclusive environment based on mutual respect.”
Levy studied PPE at Brasenose and emigrated to Israel. He served in the Israeli defence ministry, worked as international media adviser to the president, and became the government’s English-language spokesperson following the 7th October attacks. Levy was suspended earlier this year following an online row with then-UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron, BBC reported.
