Thursday, February 25, 2010

Anti-Semitism on American Campuses



THIS is worth watching.

1 comment:

Allen Johnson said...

Gil,
The behavior shown in the movie is of course despicable. Scapegoating Jews or any ethnic group is despicable.

Yet anti-Semitism should not mask the real frustration that many people feel toward Israeli policy in the occupation. This frustration can deteriorate into Jew-baiting and anti-Semitism.

I have been in Palestinian communities with Christian Peacemaker Teams, and have witnessed unprovoked horrific settler violence that typically is ignored by Israeli officials. The confiscation of land and water, the denial of rights, the humiliation, the demolition of homes, etc. is very real. I urge any skeptic to see for oneself.

While campuses may be boiling with rage against Israeli policy, the US government continues to back Israel lockstep. AIPAC, Anti-Defamation League, and other pro-Israel organizations exert strong influence upon Congress. Because the US supports Israel militarily as well as in billions of dollars in annual aid, it is not inappropriate for US citizens to speak about Israel.

To speak against Israel policy is to incur the likelihood of being labeled anti-Semitic. For example, Judge Richard Goldstone, an internationally respected arbiter on human rights, and himself a professed Zionist Jew, has been lambasted my much of the pro-Israel supporters for his report on the Gaza military action 14 months ago, which apparently has influenced the United States to disregard the report. Of course, Jimmy Carter and Desmond Tutu are examples of anti-Semites according to some Zionists.

A lot of propaganda is flowing around. This includes much of the rhetoric on campuses, but also the film itself (in my opinion).

Personally I support the work and insights of some of the Jewish peace/justice organizations that advocate for justice for Palestinians while upholding their Jewishness and hope for Israel.