‘It’s a Disgrace’: London School of Economics Draws Scrutiny for ‘Understanding Hamas’ Book Launch Event

The London School of Economics (LSE) Middle East Center is facing criticism over its plan to host a launch event next month for a new book titled Understanding Hamas and Why That Matters.

The 244-page book, co-edited by Helena Cobban and Rami G. Khouri and published by OR Books, claims that Hamas has been subjected to “intense vilification” following the October 7th massacre.

It also posits that the radical Islamist terrorist group has discarded “early anti-Jewish tendencies” and now “differentiates between Judaism and Zionism.”

The book includes contributions from Dr. Paola Caridi, Dr. Jeroen Gunning, Dr. Khaled Hroub, Mouin Rabbani, and Dr. Azzam Tamimi.

In response to a query about the March 10 event from the Jewish News, a LSE spokesperson said, “Free speech and freedom of expression underpins everything we do at LSE. Students, staff and visitors are strongly encouraged to discuss and debate the most pressing issues around the world.”

Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) Sacha Roytman condemned the LSE, posting on X, “Education sets the tone. So when a top-tier institution like @LSEnews hosts an event for a book claiming Hamas has been unfairly judged since October 7, it’s a disgrace.”

Education sets the tone. So when a top-tier institution like @LSEnews hosts an event for a book claiming Hamas has been unfairly judged since October 7, it’s a disgrace. Imagine them in 1946 hosting a talk on why the Nazis weren’t so evil. pic.twitter.com/gCPnMlwGBi

— Sacha Roytman (@SachaRoytman) February 25, 2025

In a subsequent press statement, Roytman added, “The planned event in London is horrifying, absurd, and the epitome of bad taste. No legitimacy of any kind can be given to a murderous terrorist organization like Hamas, which demonstrated its inhumane evilness on October 7th and in the more than 16 months since, including with the heinous murder of the Bibas family and countless other diabolical acts. There is no place, at institutions of higher education or anywhere else, for antisemitism, justification for terrorism, or statements that constitute, directly or indirectly, support for acts of violence targeting Jews. We will continue to work to expose the true face of those who disseminate Jew-hatred across the globe.”