Stephen Hawking joins the boycott of Israel and cancels its participation in an act

The commission organized by the Presidential Conference which is held every year around the Israeli President Shimon Peres and future challenges in science, politics, technology and culture confirmed the news. After initially accepting the invitation Israeli scientist Stephen Hawkingnow decides to join the academic boycott of Israel and not attend the meeting called   'Facing Tomorrow' to be held from 18 to 20 June in Jerusalem. The decision of the British teacher has been announced by the  'British Committee for Universities for Palestine' . This organization, which promotes academic boycott of Israel, praises as defined in protest at the treatment of the Palestinians. "This is an independent decision to respect the boycott, based on their knowledge of Palestine and the unanimous recommendation of its own academic contacts there," announced the group according to the newspaper The Guardian. Hawking, 71 years, affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and is in very poor health, last week sent a letter to Peres announcing his change of mind and his decision not to travel to Jerusalem. Since announcing their participation, the renowned physicist has received a lot of letters and messages (in and out of Britain) in an intense campaign to reject the invitation and embrace the flag of the boycott of Israel. The measure, considered a "great victory" by pro-Palestinian groups promoting a boycott has generally been met with disappointment in Israel. " The use of the academic boycott is outrageous and improperespecially people who have the spirit of freedom as the basis of human and academic mission, "said Israel Raimon, director of the Presidential Conference. Thus, the decision confirms Hawking has not yet officially announced. "Boycotting is not compatible with the democratic debate, open and public," says Maimon. After reading the many reports on the boycott, the spokesman for the University of Cambridge, Tim Holt, gave another version: "For health reasons, his doctors said should not travel right now . therefore, has decided not to participate. has 71 years.'s fine but you have to be sensible about what you can do." Hours later, after being informed by Hawking's office, said the reason is identified with the pro-Palestinian calls for boycott . Hawking would be one of the biggest stars of the fifth edition of the Conference, which brings together Israeli and foreign leading figures in the world of politics, science, culture and new technologies. This year is special to coincide with the 90th anniversary of Peres, promoter of this international event in Jerusalem. In the official website of the Conference no longer scientific name appears in the section of speakers. According to sources of the organization to THE MUNDO.ES, " this year involved 5,000 men and women around the world , including speakers who represent the best minds in the world, prestigious academics, managers of large technology companies, Nobel Laureates , artists and leaders from around the world." Participants included former Presidents Bill Clinton and Mikhail Gorbachev , former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and singer Barbra Streisand. Hawking has been four times in Israeli and Palestinian lands. On his last visit in 2006, lectured at universities in Israel and the West Bank. On more than one occasion he has shown very critical of the Israeli government in the conflict with the Palestinians.