On 10th March, the London School of Economics (LSE) is set to host a conference to launch the book "Understanding Hamas", which portrays Hamas as a "misunderstood" and demonised organisation. This narrative dangerously ignores the fact that Hamas is a proscribed terrorist organisation under UK law, as well as by the United States, the European Union, and numerous other countries worldwide. To depict Hamas as misunderstood is not only misleading but also profoundly offensive to the victims of its violence. This is utterly unacceptable!
Why This Matters:
Hamas is responsible for decades of terrorism, targeting civilians and undermining peace and stability in the Middle East. To portray it as a victim of misunderstanding not only distorts historical and political reality but also legitimises terrorism. This conference risks normalising extremism and spreading dangerous misinformation under the guise of academic debate.
We Must Act Now!
We Believe In Israel is calling on you to take immediate action:
- Write to LSE – Demand the cancellation of this event, arguing that hosting a platform that legitimises a proscribed terrorist organisation contradicts LSE’s duty to promote truth, integrity, and public safety.
- Contact Your MP – Demand that they table a discussion in Parliament on the implications of allowing a UK academic institution to host events that could whitewash terrorism.
Policy Recommendations – Turning Outrage into Action
This is about more than just one event. It’s about ensuring academic institutions in the UK are not used to promote narratives that legitimise terrorism or undermine public safety. We are actively working on policy recommendationsto:
- Safeguard academic integrity by establishing guidelines that ensure platforms for free speech are not abused to promote extremism or terrorism.
- Ensure accountability for institutions that host events involving narratives that contradict national security and anti-terrorism legislation.
- Protect public discourse by preventing the normalisation of extremist narratives under the pretext of academic inquiry.
Your Voice Matters! Stand Up Against Misinformation and Extremism!
Join us in taking a stand against this dangerous narrative. Together, we can protect truth, defend democracy, and prevent the normalisation of terrorism.
Take Action Now:
- Write to LSE – Demand the cancellation of this event by writing to Vice President Larry Kramer: [email protected]
- Contact your MP – Insist on a parliamentary discussion about the implications of allowing such events.
- Share this campaign – Amplify our voice by spreading the word on social media and within your communities.
This is our moment to stand firm. We cannot allow terrorism to be rebranded.
Join We Believe In Israel in defending truth and standing against extremism.
Model Letter to LSE – Demand the Cancellation of “Understanding Hamas” Conference
Subject: Urgent Concern – Request to Cancel the “Understanding Hamas” Conference
Dear President Larry Kramer,
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the upcoming event at the London School of Economics (LSE) on 10th March, which is set to launch the book "Understanding Hamas". This event, as currently described, portrays Hamas as a "misunderstood" and demonised organisation. I find this deeply troubling and believe that hosting such a narrative is both misleading and irresponsible.
Hamas is a proscribed terrorist organisation under UK law, as well as by the United States, the European Union, and numerous other countries worldwide. It has been responsible for decades of terrorism, targeting civilians, inciting violence, and undermining peace and stability in the Middle East. To depict Hamas as misunderstood is not only factually inaccurate but also profoundly offensive to the victims of its violence.
While I fully respect the importance of academic freedom and the role of universities in fostering open debate, I believe that providing a platform that legitimises a terrorist organisation contradicts LSE’s duty to promote truth, integrity, and public safety.
This event risks:
- Normalising extremism by presenting a narrative that legitimises a group internationally recognised as a terrorist organisation.
- Distorting historical and political reality by promoting a misleading portrayal of an entity that openly advocates violence and rejects peaceful coexistence.
- Undermining community cohesion and potentially inciting tension by offering a platform to an extremist narrative without balanced context or critical examination.
Therefore, I respectfully urge you to reconsider hosting this event in its current form. At the very least, I strongly advocate for a balanced panel that includes voices representing the victims of Hamas’s violence, experts on terrorism, and scholars who can provide a fact-based counter-narrative.
I trust that LSE, as a globally respected academic institution, will uphold its commitment to truth, integrity, and academic responsibility, ensuring that platforms for free speech are not misused to legitimise extremism or terrorism.
Thank you for considering my concerns. I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
Write to LSE by using our model letter
Write to your MP by using our model letter
Model Letter to Your MP – Demand Parliamentary Discussion on LSE’s “Understanding Hamas” Conference
Subject: Urgent Concern – Request for Parliamentary Discussion on LSE Event Promoting Hamas
Dear [MP's Name],
I am writing to you as my elected representative to express my deep concern regarding an upcoming event at the London School of Economics (LSE) on 10th March, which is set to launch the book "Understanding Hamas". This event, as advertised, portrays Hamas as a "misunderstood" and demonised organisation. I find this narrative deeply troubling and believe it poses serious implications for public safety, social cohesion, and national security.
Hamas is a proscribed terrorist organisation under UK law, as well as by the United States, the European Union, and numerous other countries worldwide. It has been responsible for decades of terrorism, including targeting civilians, inciting violence, and actively undermining peace and stability in the Middle East.
To portray Hamas as misunderstood is not only factually misleading but also profoundly offensive to the victims of its violence. This narrative risks:
- Normalising extremism by presenting a narrative that legitimises a group internationally recognised as a terrorist organisation.
- Undermining public safety and social cohesion by offering a platform for extremist narratives without balanced context or critical examination.
- Contradicting the UK’s anti-terrorism legislation, which clearly identifies Hamas as a terrorist organisation promoting hate and violence.
I fully respect the principles of free speech and academic freedom. However, I believe that academic institutions have a duty of care to ensure that platforms for dialogue are not misused to promote narratives that legitimise terrorism or undermine public safety.
I am therefore urging you to:
- Table a discussion in Parliament on the implications of allowing UK academic institutions to host events that could whitewash terrorism or promote extremist narratives.
- Request a review of guidelines and policies governing the hosting of events at publicly funded educational institutions, ensuring they do not inadvertently provide a platform for narratives that contradict national security and anti-terrorism legislation.
- Raise this matter directly with LSE and the Department for Education, questioning the appropriateness of hosting an event that portrays a proscribed terrorist organisation in a sympathetic light.
This is not merely about academic debate; it is about protecting public safety, maintaining social cohesion, and ensuring that extremism is not normalised in our educational institutions.
As my representative in Parliament, I trust that you will take my concerns seriously and act swiftly to address this matter. I look forward to your response and to learning how you intend to raise this issue at the national level.
Thank you for your attention and commitment to safeguarding our community.
