Anti-Israel activists protest collaboration with startup that ‘helps Israeli soldiers sleep better at night’

Student groups in Australia call for end to Israeli Startup SYQE’s collaboration with Western Sydney University. Demonstration set for Monday.

By World Israel News Staff

Israeli medical startup Syqe Medical, founded by entrepreneur Perry Davidson, specializes in developing inhalers for medical cannabis, aiding in the treatment of PTSD and chronic pain. The company has recently embarked on a research collaboration with Western Sydney University (WSU), a move that has sparked backlash from pro-Palestinian student groups.

The SyqeAir Inhaler, a single-patient device, features technology that precisely regulates the user’s intake of cannabis. For the first time ever, each patient receives personalized treatment as prescribed by his or her physician.

Australian student organizations are now calling on WSU to terminate its partnership with the Israeli company, alleging that Syqe Medical is “helping Israeli soldiers sleep better at night.” In a statement circulating on social media, the protesters further claim: “War criminals should be punished and boycotted, not supported by our university. Shame!”

The online campaign also cites a past statement by Hagit Kamin, CEO of SyqeAir, who previously expressed pride in the company’s strategic partnership with Israel’s Ministry of Defense. The student groups accuse WSU of collaborating with what they claim is Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

“At Syqe, we are proud of our collaboration with the Ministry of Defense and will continue to work towards providing treatment for IDF veterans suffering from PTSD and chronic pain through our unique medical cannabis inhaler,” Kamin told World Israel News.

“We are currently in the midst of a large clinical study on an indication for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy, and we welcome the collaboration with WSU University, which recognizes the importance of our work and chooses to partner with us for public health in Israel and Australia, despite antisemitic reactions.”

The protest is scheduled for next Monday in front of the university, specifically targeting the NICM Health Research Institute.