Prof Stephen Hawking ‘Boycotts’ Major Israel Conference
Middle East • May 2013 • Views: 581
UK cosmologist Prof Stephen Hawking has withdrawn from a high-profile Israeli conference, apparently in support of an academic boycott of the country.
Prof Hawking was lobbied by pro-Palestinian groups
The British Committee for the Universities of Palestine said Prof Hawking had taken advice and acted based on “his knowledge of Palestine”.A University of Cambridge spokesman told the BBC the renowned scientist had approved the BRICUP statement.
Event organisers criticised the move as contrary to Prof Hawking’s values.
The June conference will celebrate the 90th birthday of Israeli President Shimon Peres.
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