Three members of the group behind the high-flying lecture series TED Talks resign after they say they took an anti-Palestinian position by naming Bill Ackman as a main stage speaker in 2024. did.
Astronomer Lucien Walkowitz, film director Saeed Taj Farooqi, and entrepreneur Aya Boudeir. jointly signed the resignation letter On Wednesday, they said they “do not want to be associated with groups that vocally support Israel's genocide of Palestinians.”
Mr. Walkowicz, Mr. Taj Farooqi, and Mr. Boudeir specifically singled out Mr. Ackman, citing Mr. Ackman's '', including a post asking why people criticize Israel for distributing leaflets in Gaza that implicated Palestinians. To seek refuge.
The notices, in Arabic warning of upcoming Israeli attacks, are similar to those dropped during the invasion of the north during the first phase of the war.
“What's wrong with this warning? Israel is trying to encourage civilians to evacuate combat zones. What am I missing?” Ackman asked. at that time.
The three senior researchers added that the billionaire is “cynically weaponizing anti-Semitism in a program to eliminate pro-Palestinian free speech from American universities.” ×post “Anti-Israel has become anti-Semitism,” Ackman said.
“While we unapologetically support Israel and oppose anti-Semitism and terrorism, we strongly support the Palestinian people,” Ackman said.
“Attempts to shut down speech and eliminate the free and respectful exchange of ideas between people with different views are causing much of the division that plagues our country,” he said Wednesday. he told the Post.
“Truth, wisdom, and ultimately peace are the result of the free exchange of ideas and debate, which is the very essence of TED. It's sad that this isn't more widely understood.”
Walkowitz, Taj Farooqi and Boudeir also criticized TED for not including any Palestinian speakers in its 2024 lineup, including drug icon RuPaul. Mr. Ackman has been at the school since a reporter said there was an uptick in anti-Semitism on campus, which also includes Charles, war journalist Anjan Sundaram, and Zeynep Tong, a professor at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology. I have been frankly opposed to it.
“Even if there was [Palestinians in the lineup]This false sense of balance could not hide the fact that TED not only aligned itself with the promoters and supporters of genocide, but chose to amplify their racist propaganda.” the former colleague added.
“This is a shameful position and we refuse to accept it.”
The letter, addressed to Chris Anderson, head of TED, and Lily James Olds, director of TED Fellows, concludes with the words: “Sincerely, and with our unwavering support for a free Palestine.”
Other TED fellows, former members of the prestigious program and TED speakers also added their names to the resignation letter “in solidarity” with Walkowitz, Taj Farooqi and Boudere.
Taj Farooqi said a Google form has also been created for those who read and agree to the notice “in support of the contents of the letter.” ×post Shared on Wednesday.
“Anyone who agrees with the criticisms in this letter can show solidarity, regardless of whether they have a formal relationship with TED or not.” form “Signatures are being accepted at any time,” the newspaper said.
The form uses a watermelon emoji to thank supporters. The image of the fruit takes on the colors of the national flag – red, black, white and green, and thus represents solidarity with Palestine.
TED's Fellows program, according to its website, provides individuals with TED Talks and access to “expert coaches on how to hone, express, and communicate their work and ideas,” according to the media organization's website. It also provides access.
Fellows will also receive “career coaching and mentorship” and “public relations coaching and media training.”
Representatives for TED did not immediately respond to The Post's request for comment.
UK-based filmmaker Taj Farooqi declined to comment beyond a resignation letter.
The newspaper also reached out to Walkowitz, an astronomer at Chicago-based Adler Planetarium, and Budair, founder of New York-based electronics startup Little Bits, for comment.
