British academic rejects Israeli prize in 'political choice'

In this Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016 photo, students sit at the Tel Aviv University campus in Israel. As a global boycott movement against Israeli universities gains steam, Israeli professors say they are increasingly feeling the pressure from their colleagues overseas. (AP / Tsafrir Abayov)

JERUSALEM - A prominent British academic says she has turned down a prestigious Israeli award for political reasons.

Catherine Hall, a history professor at University College London, says her rejection of $300,000 in prize money from The Dan David Foundation was "an independent political choice." She declined to elaborate Thursday, but the move appears to be inspired by the international BDS movement, which calls for boycotts, divestment and sanctions against Israel.

The Dan David Prize for scientific, technological and cultural accomplishments awards three annual $1 million prizes. The prize is named after the late philanthropist Dan David and administered by Tel Aviv University.

The foundation says it will donate Hall's prize winnings to support Israeli and international history scholars.

Previous recipients include former U.S. Vice-President Al Gore and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.