Ohio prof makes anti-Israel statement at speech

KENT, Ohio (AP) — An Ohio professor with former ties to a jihadist website has come under fire for shouting “Death to Israel” during a speech by a former Israeli diplomat.

Multiple media outlets report that Kent State University professor Julio Pino shouted the comment on Tuesday after trading barbs with former Israeli diplomat Ishmael Khaldi.

Pino reportedly asked how Israel could justify providing aid to countries with “blood money” that came from the deaths of Palestinians.

Kent State President Lester Lefton issued a statement calling the comment “deplorable,” but defending Pino’s right to say it.

Pino has been a controversial figure on campus. He had previously written a column in the student newspaper eulogizing a Palestinian suicide bomber and has contributed to a jihadist website.

The Associated Press has reached out to Pino for comment.