Daystar University cancels Zion Forest deal with Israel after public outcry

Just two days after Daystar University inked a deal with the Israeli Embassy to establish a 'Zion Forest' on its campus, the institution has reversed its decision following public outrage.

The agreement, announced on Monday, aimed to plant 5,000 biblical tree species on the university grounds but sparked significant controversy due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The university's Vice Chancellor, Prof. Laban Ayiro, announced the revocation, emphasising that the institution was not supporting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Middle East.

"We are not in any way supporting the ongoing humanitarian conflict in the Middle East. Daystar University esteems the sanctity of life and advocates for the peaceful co-existence of humanity," he said.

When the deal was first revealed, Prof. Ayiro described the Zion Forest project as a means to enhance Daystar’s green spaces.

“The Zion Forest will serve as a symbol of friendship and collaboration between Israel and Kenya, highlighting the commitment of both nations to environmental sustainability and educational advancement,” he explained then.

The Israeli Embassy in Kenya also posted on social media about the agreement, with Ambassador Michael Lotem joining Prof. Ayiro to launch the project at the university’s Athi River campus.

The tweet described the initiative as a collaboration aimed at planting over 5,000 indigenous trees, transforming the campus into a vibrant green space.

“The Zion Forest will stand as a monument of friendship between the nations of Israel and Kenya, and in defiance of the global threat of terrorism,” read the tweet.

However, the announcement quickly sparked outrage among Kenyans, including former students of Daystar. A petition was launched demanding the revocation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with many accusing the university of supporting Israeli actions in Palestine.

David Ngira, an X user, expressed his dismay, stating, “It’s embarrassing for Daystar University to sign an MoU with an apartheid state that is committing genocide, especially given our history of fighting colonialism and racism.”

Mohammed Husny also condemned the move, saying, “It’s a shame that a university will get into bed with Zionists when this same entity bombed every educational institution in Gaza and has intentionally killed intellectuals in Palestine to prevent any accurate account of their genocide.”

Other reactions were equally critical, with Araget stating, “Daystar University shows its support for the genocidal Zionist state! Terrible.”

Another X user known as Emmy questioned, “An educational facility joining hands with an institution that has been conducting a genocide and bombed educational institutions in Palestine to dust, is there any low y'all won’t sink to?”

Wathanga Gatimu posted on Twitter, saying, “Israel in Kenya, your country is the principal purveyor of global terrorism. Our government and leaders do not represent the sentiments of the majority of Kenyans. We stand with Palestine's right to resist and self-determination against you demonic child-killers & rapists.”

In the wake of these responses, Daystar University chose to distance itself from the controversial agreement, reaffirming its commitment to peace and non-partisanship.