Alleged Bias: Israeli Professor Sues New Jersey College for Discrimination

Dr. Tal Ben-Zvi, a seasoned faculty member originally from Israel, teaching at a leading technology institute in New Jersey, has filed a lawsuit. Ben-Zvi, who has been a professor at Stevens Institute of Technology for more than two decades, claims he suffered ongoing discrimination due to his Jewish faith and physical disability. According to him, the behavior towards him was part of a "deep-rooted pattern of hostility towards Jews," which included public humiliations, delayed salary, and even retaliation after his complaints.

The lawsuit he submitted states that over the years, Ben-Zvi requested accommodations for the Jewish calendar—whether it was for holidays or having kosher food at professional events. However, he claims that the institution's administration not only dismissed his requests but sometimes reacted with disdain. In one instance, he was required to attend an event scheduled for Yom Kippur, despite his objections.

In another event, he recounted, guests received meals tailored to health needs, but he—who requested kosher food—was ignored. When the academic assistant tried to order him a kosher meal, his boss, Prof. Gregory Prastacos, questioned dismissively, "Why even bother?" He claims that same dean even questioned the existence of Jewish holidays and refused to consider a Jewish calendar presented to him.

Apart from religious discrimination, the lawsuit also describes disrespect regarding Ben-Zvi's disability, as he sometimes uses a walking cane. On one occasion, he was called to a meeting on a non-accessible floor—his request to join remotely was denied. When he was forced to attend, he felt unwell, and subsequently, the administration claimed he suffered from "lack of clarity and reliability." He also recounts an incident where a female professor revealed his medical condition publicly—without his consent.

Ben-Zvi describes how his alerts led him to be branded a "nuisance," promotions were denied, his salary was withheld, leaving him feeling humiliated and isolated. He highlights that his personal struggle reflects a broader institutional culture of intolerance towards Jews. The lawsuit includes statements from faculty and students supporting his claims. For example, Prof. Deborah Sinar-Levy shared that a colleague suggested scheduling meetings on Jewish holidays "to get rid of the Jews." Despite raising concerns, no actions were taken. Prof. Dov Kroger, a former lecturer, testified that he was repeatedly scheduled to teach on Friday evenings, hindering his Shabbat observance, ultimately leading him to leave.

Denis Wink, a former president of the Jewish student organization on campus, echoed similar sentiments: "There's no consideration for holidays, no kosher food, and no understanding of Jewish student issues. After the Hamas attack in October 2023, we approached the administration asking for a meeting—but the president refused. He said he didn't have time to meet all groups, so he dismissed us too."

According to the YNET report, Dr. Ben-Zvi is suing Stevens Institute for religious discrimination, discrimination based on disability, invasion of privacy, workplace harassment, failure to provide required accommodations, and destruction of documents. He claims these actions severely impacted his mental and physical health, and he seeks substantial compensation and full acknowledgment of the administration's responsibility for the situation.

Stevens Institute responded to YNET stating: "Every complaint we received was addressed and investigated. No evidence was found indicating any discrimination against Dr. Ben-Zvi."