University College London has launched an investigation after one of its senior academics said that Israel’s bombardment of Gaza was “worse than Auschwitz”.
Dr Alex Pillen, associate professor of anthropology, made the statement at a pro-Palestinian rally in the capital.
UCL said it does not tolerate antisemitism and would examine whether the professor, 54, had contravened its policies.
The professor, who is originally from Belgium, joined a crowd of around 300,000 on November 11 demanding a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Dr Pillen told the Evening Standard at the march: “I’m basically here because I think the situation is absolutely unacceptable. It’s an insult to humanity. What is happening in Gaza today is worse than Auschwitz. Gaza is worse than Bergen-Belsen. Gaza is worse than Dachau, worse than Lublin.
“It’s a shame for humanity. I’m here because I live in Britain, and I’m ashamed of the stance of the BBC. It’s biased, it’s biased towards a political class that has been discredited.”
The university has issued a statement condemning antisemitism and pledging to investigate any allegations against staff or students. Dr Michael Spence, UCL president and provost, said: “We utterly condemn all forms of antisemitism and have made clear to our community that this will not be tolerated at UCL...
“We have investigated incidents that have been reported to us and have taken appropriate action in response. This has included instigating our disciplinary processes, reporting specific incidents to the police, and ensuring the removal of offensive social media posts.”
Dr Pillen said she “apologises unreservedly for any hurt caused”. She said in a statement: “I am a scholar of war and the terrible consequences for civilian populations. I’m totally opposed to all forms of racism and antisemitism... I believe my words were decontextualised.”
