British historian rejects £225,000 Israeli award

A prominent British historian has rejected an Israeli prize worth hundreds of thousands of pounds after engaging in discussions that made him aware about the realities behind the Palestinian issue.

Professor Catherine Hall from University College London turned down the £225,000 research award, describing her decision as “an independent political choice”.

Professor Hall, who specializes in colonial history, was due to be presented with the prize from the Dan David Foundation during a ceremony in Tel Aviv on Sunday night but declined to attend.

It is believed she was motivated to reject the award after talking with the Palestinian boycotts, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement against Israeli occupation, which several prominent British academics have become involved in since its launch in 2005.

It was announced in February that Professor Hall would be this year’s recipient of the award.

In a statement published on the British Committee for Universities of Palestine (BRICUP) Facebook page, Hall said: “I have withdrawn from the prize – this was an independent political choice.

“[It was] undertaken after many discussions with those who are deeply involved with the politics of Israel-Palestine, but with differing views as to how best to act.”

BRICUP meanwhile said Professor Hall’s decision was “a significant endorsement of the campaign to end ties with Israeli institutions”, saying she had “placed principle above financial gain,” according to Independent.