British historian spurns Israeli prize on political grounds

British historian Catherine Hall of University College London has declined the Dan David Prize she was set to receive, citing "political reasons." Hall did not attend the award ceremony held Sunday at Tel Aviv University.

The British Committee for the Universities of Palestine, an organization of U.K.-based academics "set up in response to the Palestinian call for academic boycott," quoted Hall as saying: "I have withdrawn from the prize -- this was an independent political choice, undertaken after many discussions with those who are deeply involved with the politics of Israel-Palestine, but with differing views as to how best to act."

The group lauded Hall's "principles" for "renouncing her share of the $1 million prize, placing principle above financial gain."

Ariel David, whose father Dan David founded the Dan David Foundation, said that the $300,000 in prize money that would have been awarded to Hall will instead go toward funding scholarships for students at the university.

As a historian, Hall was due to receive the prize for her "impact on social history, as a pioneer in gender history, race and slavery."

Hall's work on women's history in the 1970s has earned her the reputation of an important feminist.

A total of $3 million is awarded each year to researchers in three different fields for their contribution to society.

Professor Sir Anthony B. Atkinson, Professor Francois Bourguignon, and Professor James J. Heckman were awarded the prize for their work in the fight against poverty. Professor Paul Alivisatos, Professor Sir John Pendry, and Professor Chad A. Mirkin won the award for their contribution to the field of nanoscience. Professor Inga Clendinnen and Professor Arlette Farge accepted the prize for research in the field of social history.

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