A chilling echo of medieval hatred reverberated within the halls of University College London, as a former researcher publicly repeated a centuries-old accusation against the Jewish people. Dr. Samar Maqusi, during a recent seminar, recounted a gruesome tale alleging Jews used “gentile blood” in the preparation of holy bread.
The disturbing narrative included a specific claim about the murder of a priest, Father Thomas, attributing the act to a group of Jewish individuals seeking blood for their religious practices. Dr. Maqusi urged those present to independently “investigate and draw your own narrative,” framing the deeply prejudiced claim as a matter of open inquiry.
This accusation is a modern resurgence of the “blood libel,” a false and dangerous claim that has fueled antisemitism for generations. The libel alleges that Jews utilize the blood of non-Jews in the making of matzah, the unleavened bread central to the Passover holiday. Dr. Maqusi’s retelling also contained inaccuracies regarding another Jewish observance, Succot.
The university responded swiftly and decisively. Dr. Maqusi has been barred from campus, and the student group responsible for hosting the event has been suspended pending a full investigation. The incident has sparked outrage and condemnation from Jewish community leaders and university officials alike.
UCL’s President and Provost, Dr. Michael Spence, expressed his “utterly appalled” reaction to the comments, offering a “unequivocal apology” to Jewish students, staff, and alumni. He emphasized that antisemitism has “absolutely no place” within the university’s environment.
The university has reported the incident to the police and initiated disciplinary proceedings against students potentially involved. Dr. Spence underscored the importance of balancing freedom of speech with the need to protect against hate speech, stating that academic freedom “can never be misused as a shield for hatred.”
The University Jewish Chaplaincy released a statement expressing their “appalled and horrified” response, condemning the repetition of the “medieval blood libel” as “utterly unacceptable” within an academic institution. They called for immediate action, accountability, and a renewed commitment to the safety and dignity of the Jewish community at UCL.
Dr. Maqusi was previously engaged in doctoral research at UCL’s Bartlett School of Architecture, focusing on the spatial politics of Palestinian refugee camps. Her prior experience included work with UNWRA in Amman, Jordan. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat of antisemitism and the critical need for vigilance within academic settings.
