An elite school founded by a refugee from Nazi Germany has furiously awakened to cancel an invitation for a Jewish commentator to talk to students.
Jonathan Sacerdoti would talk about journalism and anti -Semitism at the UWC Atlantic in South Wales last Sunday.
But the school, which trains students from 16 to 18 years from all over the world, including many royals made a U-turn on Friday after a group of students complained that his presence would be 'painful'.
The decision is all the staggering, because the school was established with the aim of promoting the worldwide concept by Kurt Hahn, a Jewish educator who fled Germany for speaking against the Nazis in the 1930s.
Mr. Sacerdoti said he was invited by students who were 'Jewish and Israeli-backed' who had tried to 'balance in discussions about Israel'.
It is understood to mean that school managers have agreed, with 'multiple planning calls' to ensure that the conversation would be 'constructive, appropriate and useful'. But when a group of Pro-Palestinian youth complained, UWC withdrew the invitation and said it could harm the 'emotional safety' of children.
He had the opportunity to address students in a predetermined video, but rejected it and said that it would have prevented 'real -time discussion'.
Jonathan Sacerdoti is said to have spoken about journalism and anti -Semitism in UWC Atlantic in Zuid -Wales last Sunday
UWC Atlantic – founded in 1962 as the first of 18 United World Colleges – learns students aged 16 to 18 from all over the world, including royals, and offers scholarships to refugees
Mr. Sacerdoti, 45, who has expressed public support for Israel and writes a column for the viewer, said: 'The school had invited me, publicly announced my upcoming reading with their students and shared event details – only to reverse their decision at the last minute.
'I spoke at universities, schools and conferences around the world. And yet, for this school, my presence alone was considered too dangerous. That should alert everyone who believes in free thoughts and academic integrity. '
Mr. Sacerdoti, whose father survived the Holocaust, added: “This is not just a cancellation, it is a case of an elite institution that stores his own principles to appease the loudest voices.”
UWC Atlantic, founded in 1962 as the first of the 18 United World Colleges, trains the children of Royals in addition to offering fairs to refugees.
The heir probably for the Spanish Throne Crown Princess Leonor, 19, is one of the recent alumn, while her sister Princess Sofia, 17, is still studying there.
Housed in a castle in the Wales rural areas, you charge your fees between £ 36,800 and £ 45,000 and is known as the 'Hippy Hogwarts' because of the progressive style of education.
A school spokesperson said that many of his students have 'direct experience of conflict and trauma', and added: 'The safety and well -being of our students remain our highest priority. We have a deep responsibility to ensure that all discussions are carried out with sensitivity. “
