‘Genocide Scholars’ For $30? Easy Entry, Fake Members Undermine Confidence In IAGS Resolution
Critics are casting doubt on the validity of a new resolution by the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) that accuses Israel of committing genocide, after it was revealed that membership in the organization could be purchased for as little as $30. The revelation coincides with a notable surge in membership following October 2023.
Until this past Wednesday, anyone could sign up for IAGS by paying an annual fee that varied according to income.
The cost ranged between $30 and $125, granting participants access to the group’s activities, including the ability to vote electronically on resolutions—such as the one passed on Monday concerning Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Honest Reporting board member Salo Aizenberg and Middle East analyst Eitan Fischberger showcased on social media just how simple it was to become a member, sparking a flood of new sign-ups. Applicants even used names like Adolf Hitler and Star Wars’ Emperor Palpatine to mock the system.
“It turns out literally anyone can join this body and vote on matters that make international headlines – like the resolution claiming Israel is committing genocide,” Aizenberg wrote on X/Twitter.
He went on to say, “Yes, there are some legitimate academics who are members. But when an organization with no standards, no transparency, and no accountability makes sweeping pronouncements about ‘genocide,’ it isn’t scholarship – it’s politics masquerading as scholarship. And everyone deserves to know the difference.”
By Wednesday night, the group disabled its online membership application form. Those who had recently signed up, including Fischberger, were quickly placed into “inactive” status.
“I want my $30 back,” Fischberger told The Jerusalem Post.
While IAGS did not issue an immediate response regarding the controversy, critics pointed out that the ease of entry coincided with a dramatic jump in membership numbers since October 2023.
Internet archives showed that on October 2, 2023, the association’s roster contained around 150 members. By April 2024, that figure had grown to 280, and by the time of the latest resolution, it had climbed to 440.
Aizenberg raised questions online about how the vote was conducted. A press release dated September 1 stated that 28% of members participated in the ballot, with 86% voting in favor.
The resolution that passed declared that “Israel’s policies and actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide and constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
{Matzav.com Israel}