Just do it

Joseph Henson, President

Even before Oct. 7, an uneasiness was apparent between supporters of the Palestinians or Hamas and Israel. This is possibly my own prejudice, but the Palestinian side is seemingly unfazed by many historical truths in their relationship with Israel and other Middle Eastern countries. By the same token, Israel’s supporters may have not taken the time to truly understand the Palestinians' allegiance to their traditions.

Since Oct. 7, this division has deepened, particularly among the younger generations. As I have written in earlier articles, the three youngest generational groups are the first to be significantly more sympathetic to the Palestinians' situation rather than Israel’s existence. One consequence of this change is revealed in anecdotal stories in the press and online from Jewish students and teachers talking about being harassed or feeling threatened by antisemitic and/ or anti-Israel students and protesters. For example, a Queens, NY high school teacher posted her support for Israel on Facebook. When this post became known to the students, many immediately began protesting in school. The teacher locked herself in her classroom, remaining there until NYPD officers arrived, escorted her out and quieted the protestors. Her name and address were then posted, effectively enabling this hate to spread — all because of her support for Israel. There were no reports of similar pro-Israel protesters rioting in the school then posting the names of the Palestinian supporters.

Hillel and ADL have posted interviews with university students, detailing how they have taken steps to downplay their Jewishness or held back on expressing a positive opinion of Israel for fear of retribution. This behavioral change is in response to the overt actions of protestors during marches or other mass actions identifying Israel as a colonizer and oppressor of Palestine.

Trends of the last 40 or 50 years have nurtured the growing acceptability of anti-Zionism/antisemitic agitation and the characterization of Israel as a usurper of land using excessive force for control. There are many factors that brought this about: the surge in progressive ideology on campus; the growth and impact of groups such as Boycott, Divest and Sanction (BDS) (a foundational organization); Jewish Voices for Peace; Students for Justice in Palestine; et al. The goals of these groups were buttressed by the expansion over the last 17 years of Israeli Apartheid Week (IAW) from one to currently 200 plus campuses. IAW bills itself as a tool for mobilizing global grassroots support for the Palestinian struggle.

In response, Jewish students organize some counter-programing, but IAW presentations have the advantage of long experience. A major Jewish advocate, CAMERA, which promotes accurate and balanced coverage of Israel, often works with Jewish campus groups to create a rebuttal presentation. However, in a number of instances, the IAW supporters have disrupted this counterprogramming to limit its impact. Likely of greater importance is IAW’s adoption of the BDS technique of actively teaching its participants how to “organize against Zionism and normalization (my emphasis) on campus and in our communities.” Anti-normalization forbids dialogue with “Zionists,” or anyone who supports the existence of the state of Israel. This approach to cancel out the pro-Israel groups clearly diminishes meaningful dialogue.

Nonetheless, dialogue and factual presentations are the best avenues to put forth a pro-Israel position — while still allowing for divergence of opinion on key issues, like settlements, citizenship and passage of supplies into Palestinian areas.

So, what is a practical response to this troubling situation? Becoming personally involved and financially supporting front-line groups that are directly involved with the younger generation groups. Jewish camping, BBYO, Hillel, CAMERA, ADL and many other directaction organizations will benefit from your efforts.

Do it like our future depends on it!