Genocidal rhetoric has no place in academia where they play a crucial role in shaping the next generation.
A recent social media post by Dr. Randa Abdel-Fattah, a researcher currently employed at Macquarie University, advocating for the annihilation of the Jewish state in 2025, is nothing short of horrific.
Such a statement, made by an academic entrusted with shaping the minds of young Australians, crosses a moral line and demands unequivocal condemnation and immediate action.
May 2025 be the end of Israel. May it be the end of the US-Israeli imperial scourge on humanity. May we see the abolishment of the death cult of Zionism and the end of US empire and finally a world where the slaughter, annihilation and torture of Palestinians is no longer daily… https://t.co/wvw2GdXSgw
— Randa Abdel-Fattah (@RandaAFattah) December 26, 2024
Incredibly, Dr. Abdel-Fattah’s current research project is funded by Australian taxpayers to the tune of $870,269 through the ARC Future Fellowships Scheme.
Her project, titled "Arab/Muslim Australian Social Movements since the 1970s: A Hidden History," claims to promote understanding of marginalized communities.
However, when someone receiving such significant public funds expresses genocidal views, calling for the erasure of an entire country, it raises serious concerns about accountability, the misuse of taxpayer money, and the trust placed in academic institutions to uphold values of inclusion and respect.
When individuals in positions of influence—particularly educators—espouse rhetoric advocating for the destruction of a country or a people, it sends a dangerous message to those they are entrusted with educating young minds.
Statements like these fuel hatred, perpetuate division and undermine the principles that Australian universities strive to uphold.
Dr. Abdel-Fattah’s post, calling for the annihilation of Israel by 2025, is not just inflammatory—it aligns with the definition of genocidal rhetoric.
Sadly, this is not an isolated issue in Australian academia. There have been other instances where academics, affiliated with Australian universities, have made alarming statements, including justifications for terrorism or denial of Israel’s right to exist.
Macquarie University must take immediate action to address this issue.
Allowing someone with views that can be interpreted as genocidal to remain in a position of influence sends a deeply troubling message to students, staff, and the broader community.
Dr. Abdel-Fattah’s post is not only shocking but also profoundly dangerous.
Her actions, coupled with the significant taxpayer funding she receives, must be addressed immediately.
GET INVOLVED
use this Letter Template for Macquarie University
To: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Urgent Concern: Genocidal Rhetoric by Macquarie University Academic
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding recent comments made by Dr. Randa Abdel-Fattah, a researcher currently employed at Macquarie University. In a public post on social media, Dr. Abdel-Fattah advocated for the annihilation of the Jewish state by 2025 (link to tweet).
Such rhetoric is profoundly alarming. It undermines the principles of inclusion, respect, and tolerance that are fundamental to Australian society and academic integrity. Statements like this not only endanger social cohesion but normalise hatred, which is incompatible with the mission of educational institutions.
I urge Macquarie University to take immediate and decisive action. Allowing someone who has made such extreme statements to remain in a position of influence sends a harmful message to students, staff, and the broader community.
Universities have a responsibility to foster environments of respect and understanding, and this cannot be achieved when individuals promote hate-filled or genocidal views.
I trust that Macquarie University will act appropriately to address this within your institution.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]