A controversial campaign in the Western world links Israel's treatment of Palestinians to the treatment of blacks in apartheid South Africa.

It is called Israeli apartheid week. 

University campuses in more than 40 cities around the world are marking the week with lectures, films, multimedia events, cultural performances and demonstrations.

Since it was first launched in 2005, the week has become one of the most important global events in the Palestine solidarity calendar, according to its organisers.

The organisation says its goals are ending the Israeli occupation of Arab lands, and the recognition of Palestinians' right to return to their homes in Israel. 
 
They also want Arab citizens of Israel to be treated equally and the separation wall to be torn down.

Several Israeli officials have criticised it and condemned the participation of senior Israeli academics and artists. 

Is criticism of specific Israeli policies raising doubts about Israel's right to exist? And is Israel now on the PR offensive to fight back?

Inside Story presenter Imran Garda is joined by Gidi Grinstein, the president and founder of the Reut Institute, Hazem Jamjoum, one of the organisers of the Israel Apartheid Week, and Eyal Sivan, a filmmaker and research professor in media production at the University of East London (UEL).

This episode of Inside Story aired from Wednesday, March 3, 2010.