Palestinian MK Ahmad Tibi on Wednesday criticized the ejection of Israeli journalist Amira Hass from Birzeit University last week.

Tibi told Ma’an that the decision was “blind behavior” marked by racism which “distorts the struggle of the Palestinian people.”

“The articles and reports Hass has been writing for Haaretz newspaper are worthier and much more important than the fake exaggerated concern of the small group who offended her and definitely offended the administration of Birzeit University,” he said.

Tibi applauded the university’s administration for releasing a statement condemning the incident.

Birzeit said in a statement Tuesday that it “regrets the lamentable incident involving the apparent exclusion of Hass from a Center for Development Studies Conference and will work with students and faculty to create better understanding of, and ensure adherence to, university policies, which oppose discrimination based on identity.”

“Birzeit University wishes to clarify its principled position of welcoming supporters of the Palestinian struggle and opponents of the Israeli occupation of Palestine, regardless of nationality, religion, ethnicity, or creed,” the statement said.

“Hence, Hass, who has consistently condemned the Israeli occupation, evinced support for Palestinian rights, and helped expose the discriminatory policies of occupation and its flagrant violations of these rights, is always welcome on our campus and at university events.”

Hass was asked to leave a conference at Birzeit University last week due to what she said was a policy banning Israeli Jews from the campus.

Organizers of the conference were reportedly worried that students would protest over her presence.

(Ma’an – www.maannews.net)