University of California Takes a Positive Step Re: Anti-Semitism
Gary Fouse
fousesquawk
http://garyfouse.blogspot.com
Hat tip to AMCHA Initiative.
I scoffed when University of California President Mark Yudof created his UC Advisory Committee on Campus Climate, Culture and Inclusion a couple of years back. Every time he gets a new complaint about anti-Semitism on UC campuses, he trots out this body to show he is dealing with the problem.
Finally, however, I have to compliment (with certain reservations) this body for the just-released study they have done on the problem facing Jewish students on campus whenever some group decides to hold an anti-Israel event.
Below is a letter from the AMCHA Initiative to the committee thanking them for their report but cautioning them about the attempts of groups like Jewish Voice for Peace to have Yudof table the report.
————————————————————————————————
“Jewish students are confronting significant and difficult climate issues as a result of activities on campus which focus specifically on Israel, its right to exist and its treatment of Palestinians. The anti-Zionism and Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movements and other manifestations of anti-Israel sentiment and activity create significant issues through themes and language which portray Israel and, many times, Jews in ways which project hostility, engender a feeling of isolation, and undermine Jewish students’ sense of belonging and engagement with outside communities.”
- In May 2010, 60 Jewish students on three UC campuses (UCB, UCI and UCSD) responded to an on-line questionnaire about campus climate that we posted. These students described feeling harassed and intimidated on their campuses: more than two-thirds felt that anti-Israel events and campaigns promoted hatred of the Jewish State and of Jews and even expressed the concern that such hatred might lead to violence against Jewish students on their campus, with some stating that it already had. Almost all the students felt that their administrators do not treat Jewish concerns as sensitively as they treat those of other minorities. (See Here for a selection of student responses to the questionnaire).
- In May 2010, 70 UC Irvine faculty members signed an open letter stating that they were deeply disturbed about activities on their campus that fomented hatred against Jews and Israelis, and that many faculty and students felt intimidated, and even unsafe.
- In June 2010, more than 700 Jewish UC students signed an on-line petition expressing outrage at anti-Jewish rhetoric and imagery on campus. They asserted that these events “are as offensive and hurtful to Jewish students as a “Compton cookout” or a noose are to African-American students.”
- In June 2010, the leadership of twelve national Jewish organizations — including United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and the Orthodox Union, which represent two of the three major religious Jewish movements in America — signed a letter to President Yudof asking him to acknowledge and address the problem of anti-Jewish bigotry at the University of California.
- In September 2011, more than 5,000 members and supporters of the California Jewish community signed an AMCHA Initiative petition to President Yudof expressing their deep concern about the longstanding and pervasive harassment and intimidation of Jewish students on UC campuses and urging him to address the problem promptly and forcefully.
- Earlier this month, the AMCHA Initiative sent to the UC Regents and President Yudof a letter signed by more than 1,000 members and supporters of the California Jewish community, that asked the Regents and President to carry out their legal and moral obligations to ensure that UC classrooms are not being used to promote anti-Semitism.
Co-founder the AMCHA Initiative
Professor Emeritus, University of California at Los Angeles
Co-founder the AMCHA Initiative
Cc: UC Chancellors
Bcc: Members and supporters of the Jewish community
If I may engage in a little nit-picking. First of all, the report does not mention once the groups(s) responsible for hosting the specific events that feature extremist speakers, some of whom have engaged in anti-Jewish rhetoric. That would be the various Muslim Student Associations on UC campuses as well as the Students for Justice in Palestine. In that regard, the report is similar to how the Europeans report riots in their streets by young Muslim males. ^They are identified generally only as “youth”. You cannot engage the problem if you don’t name the parties involved.
There was also a reference to some Jewish students criticizing the involvement of the outside community in getting involved and portraying a negative image of UC Irvine. I have addressed that before and will do so again. The Jewish student community at UCI is like the Jewish community at large, quite diverse and differing in such things as religious outlook, political views, attitude towards Israel, or desire to be involved in the whole controversy on campus. It is quite true that if a Jewish student cares little for asserting his or her Jewish identity or support for Israel and just wants to get on with the business of getting an education, UCI is a pleasant environment. I would guess that most Jewish students choose not to get involved when the MSU brings their circus to town every May in the form of anti-Israel week. If they don’t care what people like Amir Abdel Malik Ali or Mohammed al -Asi say about Jews in front of the microphone, they have no problem. However, the members of the local Jewish community and others (such as myself) have chosen to get involved and challenge the MSU and their hate merchants in a civil and legal manner in accordance with the rules of the university. We will also exercise our First Amendment rights within the law and within the bounds of civility. We will continue to do that whether certain students or the Orange County Jewish Federation and Hillel object or not.
Other than that, I am glad to see the report. I would like to see how the recommendations are acted upon. A good start would be to tell the MSAs to find speakers other than Malik Ali. He can take his soapbox to the nearest local park. In addition, it is time for US universities to recognize that the so-called “plight” of the Palestinians, which is largely of their own making, is hardly the number one issue of concern in US academia-notwithstanding the efforts of a small but very vocal minority.
2012-08-21 11:47:12
Source: http://radarsite.blogspot.com/2012/08/university-of-california-takes-positive.html
Source:
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.

” it is time for US universities to recognize that the so-called “plight” of the Palestinians, which is largely of their own making, is hardly the number one issue of concern in US academia-notwithstanding the efforts of a small but very vocal minority.”
WOW! The Palestinians are responsible for their own genecide? Really? While I would never condone harrassment of anyone no matter what their beliefs, I do have a problem with any group trying to stop free speech. If the Jewish students are offended, then maybe they should go to a University in Israel.
So it’s wrong to not support an Apartheid form of government based off of racism? Remember the Jew’s say they are a race not a religion. Any form of government that is Apartheid in nature needs to be dismantled. And these Jews in America if they support Israel so much and are loyal to that country before America they need to get out of America and go to Israel. They need to remember that Britain wanted to drop them off in Uganda first.