French university closes its doors over forbidden Israel apartheid conference

Professor Pascal Binczak, president of Paris-8 University in France, has temporarily closed the university after banning a pro-Palestinian group from holding an Israel Apartheid conference, according to Israel Radio.

Yedioth Aharonoth reports Binczak originally gave his approval to the pro-Palestinian group Collectif Palestine Paris 8 to hold the conference “Israel: An apartheid state?” but was concerned of the effects the controversial event would have on public order and subsequently withdrew permission.

When the university cancelled the event — with the support of a French court — Israel Radio reports that Collectif Palestine Paris 8 announced it would continue with the plan to hold the conference, even without official approval, prompting Binczak to close the university for two days. The university’s recommendation to hold the event off-campus was rejected by the event organizers.