At the end of January, the university signed an agreement to rent a property on Paul-Henri Spaaklaan in Randwyck with, as reported by various property websites, Aroundtown. According to De Volkskrant, which published an article about Gabay and his close ties to US President Trump, the Israeli businessman and propery developer holds 15 per cent of the shares in Aroundtown and is also a member of the advisory board. He also sits on the so-called Gaza executive board. This board, appointed by the Americans, is responsible for what is termed the reconstruction of the devastated area.
However, pro-Palestinian organisations argue that the plan is a sham, a way of colonising Gaza and undermining the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. The UM, they say, is complicit in this by “renting Gabay’s property for many millions.”
Last month, a student speaking on behalf of some organisations demanded in the speakers’ corner of the University Council that the lease be terminated with immediate effect.
No grounds
That will not happen, UM spokesperson Koen Augustijn said when asked. According to him, the arrangement with Aroundtown is more nuanced and indirect than is suggested; the company is involved in the management of the leased premises via other companies. The Executive Board therefore sees no reason, nor any legal grounds, to terminate the contract.
On Wednesday morning, a (doctored) photo of University President Pamela Habibović, nestling in the arms of the US President, was stuck to the façade of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASoS). “Executive Board in bed with Trump”, read the message; a leaflet had also been posted. “Don’t be fooled; the American plan will solve nothing, but will lead to more violence. Gabay will continue to profit from the suffering of others with his money. And UM has chosen to stand alongside these individuals.”
Augustijn reports that the façade was also partially defaced; UM will report this to the police.