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Academics demand Israel release US student detained inside airport
Lara Alqasem was stopped by immigration officers last week and questioned about her political activities and ethnic heritage
Lara Alqasem has been stuck inside Isreal's Ben-Gurion Airport since Tuesday, October 2, 2018

HUNDREDS of professors and Jewish professionals worldwide have signed a petition demanding that Israel release a US student held at its international airport for the last seven days.

Lara Alqasem, who has Palestinian grandparents, landed at Ben-Gurion airport on October 2 with a valid student visa.

The 22-year-old was due to begin studying for a master’s degree at Jerusalem’s Hebrew University, but on arrival was stopped by immigration officers and questioned about her political activities and ethnic heritage.

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