The Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities announced Wednesday the appointment of Professor David Harel as its president. The move drew criticism from Ariel University, an academic institution that the prominent scientist has a history of trying to discredit due to it being located in Samaria.
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In 2012, Harel was one of several academics who opposed granting the school full university status. Last year, he was a signatory to a High Court of Justice petition challenging the establishment of a medical school at Ariel University.
Before Harel even took office, Ariel University's Student Union turned to President Reuven Rivlin and Knesset members, asking them to oppose the decision.
"The appointment will directly harm the students and alumni of the university, and the research that is being conducted here," their petition read.
According to the students, Harel consistently calls for severing ties with the university and is trying to get other institutions not to recognize degrees granted by the school.
Harel declined to comment on the matter.
The Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities said in a statement: "Ariel University is included in the framework of the Israel Academy of Sciences."
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