Israel's Tel Aviv University removed an exhibition on the meditation techniques of the Falun Gong movement, which was removed more than a week ahead of schedule, sources from Haaretz.com on March 11.
Two days after it opened, Professor Yoav Ariel, a lecturer in the East Asian Studies Department, had ordered it removed because of a request by the Chinese embassy.
Ariel said he removed the exhibition because of fears that association with the Falun Dafa might negatively affect how Judaism is perceived in China. In addition, he said, the university must take into consideration its ties with Chinese universities, with which it conducts student exchanges.
TAU spokeswoman Orly Frumer responded that the exhibition was mounted with Student Union approval, and she did not know why it was taken down.
(Facts.org.cn, March 11, 2008)
