Wisconsin professor disguises antisemitic petition as anti-Zionism
In response to the recent U.S. House of Representatives resolution equating anti-Zionism to antisemitism, a professor is seeking support from faculty and staff in the University of Wisconsin system to sign a statement declaring that “criticism of the state of Israel or the political ideology of Zionism is not in and of itself antisemitic.”
Asifa Quraishi-Landes, a professor at the University of Wisconsin Law School, is leading this effort. While it is true that criticizing Israel’s policies or government is not an act of antisemitism, there is a fine line between critical expression and anti-Zionism, which supports the genocide of Jews and the elimination of Israel as a Jewish homeland.
Quraishi-Landes is urging university employees to add their names to the statement in response to the congressional measure, which passed with overwhelming support. She believes that this resolution jeopardizes academic freedom and restricts important civic discourse on campuses.
Over 140 staff and faculty members, many from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, have already signed the statement. However, critics argue that this petition echoes the language used by anti-Zionists who advocate for the annihilation of Israel as the homeland for the Jewish people.
Brandon Maly, chairman of the Dane County Republican Party in Wisconsin, asserts that anti-Zionism is the second-worst form of antisemitism, just behind Hamas’ acts of violence against Jews. He argues that anti-Zionism promotes the idea that Jews should not have a homeland and that Israel should not exist as a sovereign state.
Maly, a second-generation American Jew whose family fled the Soviet Union to escape widespread antisemitism, is deeply concerned about the rise of antisemitism in the United States, particularly on college campuses.
Antisemitism’s Safe Space on College Campuses
College students, influenced by organizations like Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), have not only protested against Israel’s actions but have also praised terrorists for their crimes against Israeli citizens. This has led to an increase in antisemitic incidents.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has documented inflammatory statements from SJP chapters that support the seizure of Israeli territory and engage in violent rhetoric. This has contributed to a rise in antisemitic acts.
According to the ADL, antisemitic incidents in the United States have increased by 337 percent since the Hamas attacks in October. The organization has recorded over 2,000 incidents in the past two months, the highest number in its history of tracking antisemitism.
‘Socially Acceptable’ Antisemitism
The ADL argues that anti-Zionism is a form of antisemitism, but it has become more socially acceptable. Many anti-Zionist activists incorporate historic antisemitic tropes in their criticism of Israel without facing significant backlash.
The boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement, supported by leftist members of Congress, has gained acceptance in recent years. However, resistance to this movement has grown since the Hamas attacks, leading to a reevaluation of its impact.
The statement promoted by Quraishi-Landes emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between antisemitism and criticism of Israel to foster important civic discourse and combat true antisemitism.
However, critics argue that the rise in antisemitic incidents is closely tied to anti-Zionism rhetoric.
Anti-Zionism Clothed in Free Speech
Maly poses an interesting question for comparison. He asks if it would be racist to say that Mexico should not exist as a country and as the homeland of the Mexican people. The answer is clear: no serious group advocates for these ideas, except those calling for the destruction of Israel.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has condemned antisemitism in multiple statements, but Quraishi-Landes is protected by academic freedom. However, conservative students at the university have faced restrictions on their free speech, according to a recent survey.
Quraishi-Landes, a highly recognized professor in her field, holds degrees from prestigious institutions. However, her recent retweet suggesting that Palestinians, not Jews, are victims of genocide has drawn criticism for spreading misinformation.
Antisemitic incidents have occurred on the Madison campus, including rocks being thrown at students and disruptions of a Hanukkah celebration. Jewish students have experienced hateful displays from both the extreme left and right, blaming Jews and calling for the extermination of Israel.
Despite these challenges, the University of Wisconsin-Madison continues to support Quraishi-Landes’ right to express her views on matters of public concern.
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How can universities effectively address the rise of antisemitism on college campuses while still protecting academic freedom?
By an increase in awareness of the rise of antisemitism and the connection between anti-Zionism and anti-Jewish sentiments.
It is important to distinguish between legitimate criticism of Israeli policies and the denial of Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish homeland. The recent U.S. House of Representatives resolution equating anti-Zionism with antisemitism recognizes this distinction. However, critics argue that this resolution stifles academic freedom and restricts important conversations on college campuses.
Asifa Quraishi-Landes, a professor at the University of Wisconsin Law School, is leading an effort to gather support from faculty and staff in the University of Wisconsin system to sign a statement declaring that criticism of the state of Israel or the political ideology of Zionism is not inherently antisemitic. So far, over 140 staff and faculty members have signed the statement, but there are concerns that this petition may align with the language used by anti-Zionists who advocate for the annihilation of Israel.
While it is crucial to protect freedom of expression and encourage engagement in robust debate, it is equally imperative to address the rise of antisemitism masked as anti-Zionism. Brandon Maly, chairman of the Dane County Republican Party in Wisconsin, argues that anti-Zionism promotes the dangerous idea that Jews should not have a homeland and that Israel should not exist as a sovereign state. Maly, himself a second-generation American Jew, understands the importance of combating antisemitism and ensuring the safety and security of the Jewish people.
College campuses, in particular, have become fertile ground for the spread of antisemitism. Student organizations like Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) have not only protested against Israeli actions but also glorified terrorists for their crimes against Israeli citizens. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has documented inflammatory statements from SJP chapters that support the seizure of Israeli territory and engage in violent rhetoric, contributing to the rise of antisemitic acts.
The ADL reports a significant increase in antisemitic incidents in the United States, with a rise of 337 percent since the Hamas attacks in October. In the past two months alone, they have recorded over 2,000 incidents, the highest number in their history of tracking antisemitism. The ADL asserts that anti-Zionism has become more socially acceptable, with anti-Zionist activists incorporating historic antisemitic tropes in their criticism of Israel without facing substantial backlash.
Efforts to combat antisemitism and promote understanding should not be conflated with suppressing legitimate criticism. It is essential to acknowledge the fine line between criticism and anti-Jewish sentiment and to foster an environment that encourages respectful dialogue while actively addressing and condemning acts of antisemitism. Universities have a responsibility to protect academic freedom, but they must also work towards creating campuses that are safe and inclusive for all students, regardless of their religious or ethnic background.
The University of Wisconsin system, like other educational institutions, must navigate this complex landscape by encouraging critical thinking, promoting dialogue, and actively combating instances of antisemitism. While it is crucial to protect freedom of expression and academic freedom, it is equally important to address and address incidents of hate speech and discrimination.
By promoting understanding, respectful dialogue, and condemning acts of hate, universities can play a crucial role in countering antisemitism and fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment. It is through these efforts that we can ensure the protection of all students and faculty while upholding the principles of academic freedom and freedom of expression.
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