2008 Woodie Awards
Controversy surrounds speakers at Middle East panel
Alison Militano
Issue date: 11/9/07 Section: News
Romirowsky said the topic being discussed was broad enough for anyone to respond to what he had to say.
"Who's to say I was even going to discuss Israeli-Palestine relations?" he said.
Kahn said he is receiving criticism for his hesitation and said his actions are being misconstrued.
Romirowsky reiterated that every Israeli citizen must serve in the Israeli Defense Force a minimum of two years.
"The decision to withdraw my invitation is objectively based on the fact that I served in the IDF," he said. "Service in the IDF is mandatory and it is important to note that it is regardless of your own politics."
Kahn said he was not aware of the mandatory service.
"I did not know that at the time," he said. "And, I don't know whether or not he is a supporter of the occupation or not. All are just conjectures."
Romirowsky said he has a hard time believing Kahn is not familiar with the mandatory IDF service.
"It's hard to believe that he had never come across this fact before, especially considering he specializes in Middle-Eastern affairs," he said.
Rausch said Kahn's e-mail message concerned her.
"I did not want our already confirmed speakers to drop out as I felt uncertain about the status of Kahn continuing to be our speaker for the next day as well as the other two speakers, as I had not received any reply from them," she said.
Rausch said Romirowsky's invitation was not withdrawn and that he was simply asked to come and speak at a different date.
"We respect Mr. Romirowsky very much and had wished was part of our panel, but I had ordered one of my members, whom was our correspondent with Asaf, to ask him if he would come and speak at a later date," she said.
Kahn said Romirowsky is now attacking his character.
"Asaf is accusing me of being associated with terrorist organizations," he said. "This was not about all Israelis or all Jews."
Kahn said the accusations are upsetting and does not know if the attacks will continue.
Romirowsky said he was unfamiliar with these claims.
"I never made those accusations," he said. "That has nothing to do with me."
"Who's to say I was even going to discuss Israeli-Palestine relations?" he said.
Kahn said he is receiving criticism for his hesitation and said his actions are being misconstrued.
Romirowsky reiterated that every Israeli citizen must serve in the Israeli Defense Force a minimum of two years.
"The decision to withdraw my invitation is objectively based on the fact that I served in the IDF," he said. "Service in the IDF is mandatory and it is important to note that it is regardless of your own politics."
Kahn said he was not aware of the mandatory service.
"I did not know that at the time," he said. "And, I don't know whether or not he is a supporter of the occupation or not. All are just conjectures."
Romirowsky said he has a hard time believing Kahn is not familiar with the mandatory IDF service.
"It's hard to believe that he had never come across this fact before, especially considering he specializes in Middle-Eastern affairs," he said.
Rausch said Kahn's e-mail message concerned her.
"I did not want our already confirmed speakers to drop out as I felt uncertain about the status of Kahn continuing to be our speaker for the next day as well as the other two speakers, as I had not received any reply from them," she said.
Rausch said Romirowsky's invitation was not withdrawn and that he was simply asked to come and speak at a different date.
"We respect Mr. Romirowsky very much and had wished was part of our panel, but I had ordered one of my members, whom was our correspondent with Asaf, to ask him if he would come and speak at a later date," she said.
Kahn said Romirowsky is now attacking his character.
"Asaf is accusing me of being associated with terrorist organizations," he said. "This was not about all Israelis or all Jews."
Kahn said the accusations are upsetting and does not know if the attacks will continue.
Romirowsky said he was unfamiliar with these claims.
"I never made those accusations," he said. "That has nothing to do with me."
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Elliott H. Snyder, M.D., BSChemistiry UD '69
posted 11/28/07 @ 12:38 AM EST
As an alumnus I was distressed to learn of the disinvitation of the Israeli to participate in the panel. Living in Texas, I rarely hear about the UofD on national news. (Continued…)
Yeah but
posted 11/28/07 @ 1:44 AM EST
What is wrong with being uncomfortable?
If I was given an assignment and told the day before it was due that there was new requirements, I would be uncomfortable. (Continued…)
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