The director of the Middle East Center at the University of Washington has been terminated due to controversial remarks he made about the Iran conflict and his views on Zionism, which he labeled as “cancerous.” In a statement, Professor Alia Fani described Zionism as a harmful force, claiming it invades and destroys healthy societal structures.
Reports indicate that Fani was ousted from his position on March 27. He expressed a critical view of both the U.S. and Israeli governments, suggesting that their operations bear similarities to those of Iran—but on a much larger scale—and pose significant global threats. He emphasized the need to develop a new anti-colonial language economy to address these issues.
Interestingly, Fani stated he wasn’t shocked by his dismissal. “I knew it was coming,” he commented. Although dismissed from the directorial role, he continues to hold his associate professorship. Currently, he’s on medical leave until September, which he insists is unrelated to the incident.
While discussing Zionism, Fani pointed out that it emerged as a 19th-century ideology aimed at defining Jewish identity and facilitating the settlement of Palestinian lands, often resulting in the displacement and domination of local populations. He argued that supporting Zionism doesn’t require one to be Jewish and challenges the notion that it represents a legitimate expression of Jewish self-determination.
Fani remarked, “Zionism has been expanding in a way that resembles cancer since its inception,” noting Israel’s ongoing military actions in the region. University communications confirmed his status change, mentioning that decisions regarding such matters are made internally within the Jackson School of International Studies, where Daniel Hoffman will take over management of the Middle East Center.
