WE WISH to express our disquiet about the visit to the University of York of Alon Roth–Snir, the deputy ambassador from the Israeli Embassy in London.

The choice of Mr Roth as a guest implies that Israel is regarded by the university as a civilized nation – which it is not As several United Nations agencies’ reports indicate, Israel is involved in some of the most serious violations of international law including forcible displacement, settlement in occupied territory and annexation of land by force.

Israel’s violations of the rights of its own citizens are also of much concern and cannot be tolerated by democratic states. We assume no such invitation to the Syrian Embassy would be forthcoming in the spirit of open debate and freedom of expression.

Our concern, in particular, is for Palestinian staff and students on the campus who have experience of Israel’s policies and practices.

In solidarity with all those who have suffered at the hands of the Israeli state, we ask the University to withdraw its invitation to the Ambassador until Israel ends its illegal occupation of Palestine, abides by international law and restores full human rights to the Palestinian people.

Monica Wusteman, York Palestine Solidarity Campaign.