"Your family deserves a second Holocaust": Portugal advances investigation into suspected antisemitism at the University of Coimbra
The Portuguese government has forwarded to the prosecutor's office reports of death threats and antisemitic hate speech at the University of Coimbra, following complaints by Israeli doctoral student Bar Harel. Harel documented hundreds of instances of hate-filled graffiti and stickers across the campus and city.
Portugal is advancing an investigation into a series of serious antisemitic incidents reported by Bar Harel, a former Israeli doctoral student at the University of Coimbra, including death threats, physical assault, and hostile messages targeting Jews and Israelis. The government body responsible for higher education has forwarded the evidence to the State Prosecutor's Office, requesting a formal investigation, as reported by the Portuguese news agency Lusa.
The University of Coimbra, founded in 1290, is one of the oldest in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Harel, a citizen of Israel, the USA, and Portugal, was pursuing a doctorate in computer engineering at the institution.
The incidents occurred between July 2024 and May 2026. Harel reported receiving a threat stating, "Your family deserves a second Holocaust," and alleged a physical assault linked to an Israeli flag he carried on his bag. He also documented numerous posters, stickers, and inscriptions promoting Hamas and Hezbollah on campus walls, eventually leading him to leave his studies.
On August 6, the Secretariat of State for Higher Education forwarded the case to the Prosecutor General's Office, citing suspicions of discrimination, incitement to violence, threats, and the glorification of terrorism. The prosecutor's office has not yet publicly confirmed the opening of a criminal investigation.
Researching Hate
Parallel to his studies, Harel compiled a 30-page report titled "Stickers of Hate: An Analysis of Antisemitism at the University of Coimbra." Over ten months, he documented 405 items—stickers and graffiti—found on campus and throughout the city.
His analysis revealed that 118 items (29%) were antisemitic, and 54 (13%) potentially constituted hate speech under Article 240 of the Portuguese Penal Code. Of the 143 anti-Israel items, 33 explicitly called for the destruction of Israel. Notably, not a single item in the sample contained the word "peace" or a peace symbol.
Perspectives
Harel acknowledged the potential for personal bias in his research and utilized AI tools, including ChatGPT, as a "critic" to ensure objectivity, while emphasizing that all data and testimonies are authentic.
The Israeli Embassy in Portugal welcomed the investigation, urging authorities to address antisemitism systematically. Conversely, the University of Coimbra denies allegations of inaction, claiming they offered support to Harel and requested specific details to verify his claims. The university also alleged that Harel demanded three million euros to drop legal threats, though no official findings of wrongdoing by Harel have been presented by authorities.
