Monday, May 16, 2016
Elder of ZiyonThe Jewish students who oppose, and work to undermine, Israeli policies all have the usual excuses:
“Within the Jewish community, these sorts of discussions do not happen often enough,” said event organizer Ben Williams, a senior at Brown. “[Ignorance] leads to a certain complicity in continuing systems of oppression.”Yes, there isn't enough J-Street and "Jewish Voices for Peace" and SJP chapters and professors who advocate tirelessly against Israel on campus. It is hard to find the Palestinian perspective on campus - so hard that it must be hosted at an ostensibly Zionist venue. There are no libraries or classrooms that could possibly be adequate.
Which brings up a question I have asked before: where is this same open-mindedness on the other side? Where were the Muslim Student Association's Yom Haatzmaut parties, celebrating the only country in the Middle East where an Arab can successfully sue the state?
Where is the open dialogue in the Palestinian campus community? Where are the peace events held on campus mosques calling for a two state solution?
Why is it so inconceivable to have a pro-Israel Muslim event but practically considered mandatory to have anti-Israel events at Jewish venues?
I once created a webpage to highlight the disparity between how each side talks about "peace."
The unfortunate fact is that the As-A-Jews are happy to use their ancestry as a reason to bash Israel, instead of supporting their fellow Jews whose lives are literally in danger.
The real problem is that, despite the claims of the antisemites, Jews aren't united. And the Israel bashers are.
Maybe Jews should label Hillel their "safe space" where they can celebrate the miracle of Israel without fear of disruption. Or does that concept only apply to other minorities?
We have lots of ideas, but we need more resources to be even more effective. Please donate today to help get the message out and to help defend Israel.
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