Israeli historian who called Gaza war ‘genocide’ receives $250K settlement

An Israeli historian who labeled Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide after the October 7 massacre will receive a $250,000 settlement from the University of Minnesota, according to The Guardian. Prof. Raz Segal was chosen in June 2024 to lead the university's Holocaust and Genocide Studies center, following a unanimous recommendation from a search committee.

However, just five days after accepting the position, the university withdrew its offer amid controversy. The dispute stemmed from an article Segal wrote on October 13, 2023, just six days after the Hamas-led massacre, in which he described Israel's actions in Gaza as a "textbook case of genocide." Critics argued that the article justified Hamas' crimes, although Segal denied this and described the October 7 attack as a "mass killing" and a war crime.

Over two years later, Segal and the university reached a settlement in which the $250,000 payment does not imply an admission of liability. Segal expressed hope that the settlement would inspire other academics facing professional repercussions for criticizing Israel to take a stand. The university received pressure from pro-Israel activists, lawmakers, and donors, who threatened to withdraw financial support if Segal were hired.

Internal documents revealed that the appointment became a target of opposition from nearly identical messages sent to the university, suggesting a coordinated campaign. The university initially considered defending its decision but ultimately backed away as pressure mounted. Segal, who is Jewish and the grandson of Holocaust survivors, believes that he was deemed "the wrong kind of Israeli and the wrong kind of Jew."

He had hoped to return to the position but was informed that reinstatement was not an option. Currently, Segal is a full professor at Stockton University in New Jersey, where he directs the graduate program in Holocaust and Genocide Studies.