We are deeply disappointed in the appointment of Dr. Ilana Feldman to interim dean of the Elliott School of International Affairs (ESIA) at The George Washington University.

Dr. Feldman is a fervent supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement and has a record of minimizing terrorism, delegitimizing the State of Israel, and advocating to suspend academic ties with Israeli institutions. 

We find it highly problematic that the university selected an individual who has worked to hinder international dialogue and exchange to head ESIA.

GW has stated that it opposes the academic boycott of Israel and believes “that academic exchanges and conversations lead to better understanding between nations and people of differing views.” Boycotts subvert scholarly and educational opportunities and curtail the academic freedom of students and faculty members to engage in research about or in Israel. International academic exchanges are particularly critical at ESIA, where students, faculty, and the field of research benefit from collaborative relationships with Israeli academic institutions and scholars.

We urge the leadership of The George Washington University to reconsider this decision and select a better-suited candidate for the permanent dean of ESIA.