Berlin University Faces Pressure to Cancel Talk by UN Official Accused of Antisemitism

Critics, including Berlin's mayor and Israeli officials, demand the Freie Universität cancel Francesca Albanese's lecture over alleged antisemitic remarks and Holocaust comparisons.

Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur for Palestinian Territories, is scheduled to speak at Berlin's Freie Universität on February 19, sparking widespread criticism.
Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner, the Israeli ambassador, and Jewish organizations have called for the event's cancellation, citing Albanese's alleged antisemitic statements and Holocaust comparisons.
The event also features Israeli architect Eyal Weizman, whose work has drawn criticism for alleged associations with Hamas sympathizers and claims of Israeli genocide in Gaza.
The university has stated it is reviewing concerns raised about the event while emphasizing its commitment to addressing safety and antisemitism on campus.
Albanese has previously faced backlash for controversial remarks about Israel, including accusations of downplaying Hamas violence and perpetuating antisemitic conspiracy theories.