The ruling by the High Court of Justice on Thursday that the Israel Prize can be withheld from Professor Oded Goldreich until it can be clarified whether or not his political stances violate laws against boycotting Israel is an important one that shows a different side of the High Court.
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The education minister is supposed to clarify the matter within 30 days, but it can still be hoped that Professor Goldreich will demonstrate integrity and follow in the footsteps of the late Professor Yeshayahu Leibowitz, who decided to forgo the prize. This would allow Goldreich to, as he put it, "avoid the pain of shaking hands with two slimebags – the prime minister and the education minister, who does his bidding." If that is how a candidate for the Israel Prize expresses himself, and this is the personal example he chooses to represent, we shouldn't wonder at the slanderous slogans being shouted at the anti-Netanyahu demonstrations.
Education Minister Yoav Gallant did well to not allow Goldreich's remarks, in which he calls for a boycott and has reached out to foreign and hostile entities on the matter, to be ignored.
I am not an expert in the field of cryptography and computational complexity theory, but I accept the Israel Prize committee's decision that Goldreich is a world-renowned expert.
The Israel Prize is awarded for excellence and for achievements in the fields of science and humanities, as well as for life achievement. No one disputes that this is the most prestigious award granted by the nation and its citizens. This is why it is called the "Israel Prize." But scientific excellence is not the only aspect of it. The prize is also an expression of appreciation for unique individuals who can serve as role models and inspiration. As scientist, talented as he might be, who signs a petition calling on the European Union to boycott academic cooperation with Ariel University – thereby working against academic institutions in the country in which he lives as a citizen, and attempting to harm the thousands of students who study there – is not worth of the recognition by Israeli society that the Israel Prize confers.
There is no doubt that the law allows candidates for the prize to be evaluated beyond their professional achievements. Professional success, no matter how impressive, cannot justify awarded the prize to someone who calls for a boycott against Israel, which is fighting a war on BDS and the motives that inspire the movement. Anyone who, at a time like this, supports an organization or movement like this is unworthy of the esteem of Israel's citizens. Professor Goldreich has received and will receive important academic awards, but the Israel Prize is not only for academics, it is also an expression of the public's appreciation, something that I believe Goldreich does not deserve.
The panel of judges that discussed the petition honored the High Court institution, and contributed to unity in Israeli society.
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