University of Glasgow Rector Faces Allegations of Antisemitism

The Rector of the University of Glasgow, Dr. Ghassan Abu-Sitta, has vehemently denied allegations of antisemitism and support for Hamas stemming from his social media activity and a past article. During a hearing on October 31, 2023, before the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) in Manchester, Dr. Abu-Sitta, a plastic surgeon and Palestinian activist, defended himself against serious accusations regarding his public statements.

Dr. Abu-Sitta, who trained at the University of Glasgow, stated he has been subjected to racial profiling as “inherently violent” due to his Palestinian and Arab identity. He attributed these allegations to a Jewish group that he claims is attempting to “destroy” his life. The tribunal was informed that Dr. Abu-Sitta had recently returned from Lebanon, where he was treating victims of conflict. His lawyer, Zac Sammour, emphasized that the doctor’s appearance at the tribunal is politically motivated.

The heart of the case lies in two posts made by Dr. Abu-Sitta on X, previously known as Twitter, in 2023, and an article he authored for the Lebanese newspaper Al Akhbar in March 2018. In this article, he referred to the “martyrdom” of Ahmad Nasr Jarrar, whom he described as a “hero” involved in a controversial operation that resulted in the death of a Rabbi in the West Bank city of Nablus. The General Medical Council’s (GMC) representative, Ros Emsley Smith, argued that Dr. Abu-Sitta’s language could be interpreted as endorsing acts of terrorism, thereby crossing the line into antisemitism.

Dr. Abu-Sitta faces scrutiny for additional posts, including one congratulating Hamas on its anniversary and another referencing “Martyrs in the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.” Ms. Emsley Smith highlighted that these statements, particularly given the context of violence associated with the groups mentioned, could be perceived as supportive of terrorism.

The allegations against Dr. Abu-Sitta surfaced following a complaint from UK Lawyers for Israel, which he accused of trying to ruin his career. He presented himself as a witness to significant international legal proceedings, referencing the arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the situation in Gaza. He claimed that his reposting of certain tweets was not an endorsement of violence but rather an exploration of the complexities within Arab political discourse.

Dr. Abu-Sitta explained that his intention was to highlight a contradiction between the ideologies of Hamas and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, remarking that such nuances are often overlooked by those unfamiliar with Arabic culture. He expressed frustration over being perceived as violent based solely on his ethnicity.

The hearing revealed that Dr. Abu-Sitta gained international attention after surviving a missile attack in Gaza on October 17, 2023, which he claimed led to the deaths of 483 people. This incident elevated his profile, making him a spokesperson for Palestinians in the eyes of global media.

The role of rector at the University of Glasgow is elected solely by students, and Dr. Abu-Sitta does not represent the university’s official stance. As the hearing continues, the outcome remains uncertain, with significant implications for both the university and Dr. Abu-Sitta’s future in the medical profession.