Anger as school for royals founded by Nazi refugee cancels talk by Jewish writer

An elite school founded by a refugee from Nazi Germany has sparked anger for cancelling an invitation to a Jewish commentator to speak to pupils.

Jonathan Sacerdoti had been due to talk about journalism and anti-Semitism at UWC Atlantic in South Wales last Sunday.

But the school, which educates pupils aged 16 to 18 from around the world, including many royals – made a U-turn on Friday after a group of pupils complained his presence would be ‘distressing’.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14492269/school-founded.html

His tweets:

A school that educates royalty and refugees, founded by a Jewish refugee who fled the Nazis, just canceled my talk on journalism and antisemitism.

Why? Because some students found my presence “distressing.”

This is what happened—

UWC Atlantic is no ordinary school. It was founded by Kurt Hahn, a Jewish educator who fled Nazi Germany, escaping fascism. He also established Gordonstoun which King Charles III attended.

It’s where royals like Spain’s Princess Leonor and Princess Sofia study—alongside refugees on scholarships.

And yet…

Last Sunday, I was due to speak to students about antisemitism and my journalism—as requested by Jewish and Israeli-backgrounded students.

The school was keen. We held multiple planning calls to ensure it was constructive, appropriate, and beneficial.

Then—cancellation.

Why?

Anti-Israel students complained. Then, teachers claimed my presence would be too distressing and could harm students’ emotional safety.

Instead of defending free discussion, the school caved and withdrew the invitation.

The irony is staggering.

This school was founded to combat intolerance—its very mission shaped by a Jewish refugee who escaped the Nazis.

Yet, in 2025, a Jewish journalist is barred from speaking in person, because some students don’t want to hear what I have to say.

They offered me a pre-recorded video instead—removing any chance for real-time discussion.

I refused. Because if my ideas are too dangerous for an elite school, then what does that say about the state of open dialogue today? I am a calm, rational and respectful person.

I’ve spoken at universities, schools, and conferences worldwide.

But at a school that claims to promote “global understanding”, my voice is silenced to protect students’ feelings.

What happened to education being about challenging ideas?

If a school founded by a Jewish refugee can so easily erase Jewish voices, what does that mean for free speech in the West?

Link to tweet