(Washington, D.C., Oct. 21, 2020)—B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:

B’nai B’rith International condemns a dangerous choice by the University of Hawaii to host an event with convicted Palestinian terrorist Leila Khaled. We sent a letter to University President David Lassner expressing our deep concerns.

Khaled, who is no mere spokesperson for the Palestinian cause, has been banned from entering the U.S. because of her involvement in a series of plane hijackings in the 1960s and 1970s. “She was armed and clearly willing to bring down planes, and their hundreds of passengers with them,” we wrote in our letter. “That both her hijackings did not result in mass causalities was sheer luck.”

We continue: “We ask you, would the 9/11 hijackers be welcomed at the University of Hawaii?”  Further, we note in the letter:  “Do would-be or actual killers and assassins have anything fundamentally positive to teach students? If you are not able to draw that line, something is terribly askew in how your University sees the very basic definition of morality and the sharing of ‘difficult ideas.’”

To read the letter, click here.
 
B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens and a leader in disaster relief. With a presence around the world, we are the Global Voice of the Jewish Community. Visit www.bnaibrith.org.