On Campus

New website “outs” Israeli profs who promote anti-Israel activity

A new website launched by the pro-Israel watchdog group Im Tirtzu lists dozens of Israeli academics who promote BDS and other anti-Israel activity in Israel and abroad. The website, “Know the Anti-Israel Israeli Professor” (knowbdsinisrael.com) contains a listing of 150 Israeli professors who are involved in anti-Israel activity such as promoting BDS, encouraging international pressure on Israel, accusing the IDF of war crimes, and calling to refuse service in the IDF.

In May 2019, Im Tirtzu launched a similar website in Hebrew listing dozens of Israeli academics who teach in Israeli universities. The new English website also includes Israeli professors who teach outside of Israel.

“The international BDS and delegitimization phenomenon against Israel does not exist in a vacuum; rather, it is often created, bolstered, and spearheaded by Israelis themselves,” says a statement on the group’s website. “By virtue of being Israeli, these radical professors are viewed by the outside observer as neutral and credible authorities on matters concerning Israel.

Im Tirtzu lists 10 guidelines that warrant inclusion in the website, including voicing support for BDS, promoting international pressure on Israel, and accusing the IDF of war crimes and purposefully murdering innocent people.’

UC Davis student gov’t president vetoes boycott Israel resolution

(JTA) — The president of the student government at the University of California, Davis, vetoed a resolution supporting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. The day after the measure passed last week, Kyle Krueger said he acted “because it included minimal to no input from the Jewish community beforehand,” and the resolution “has been widely condemned by Jewish students of many different sects/beliefs who feel marginalized by ASUCD and its actions.” The Associated Students, University of California Davis, or ASUCD, had passed the measure in a 5-4 vote with one abstention. It was the third time the student senate had passed such resolutions in the past several years, but the others were overturned — once by a student court and once by the campus Judicial Council.

Krueger said in a statement defending his decision that he has “been humbled by (the) overall nuance and complexity” of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“As a 20-year old who has not finished a college degree and who is not from Palestinian or Jewish descent, I do not feel qualified to make a decision about one of the most complex international conflicts in the world on my own,” he said. Krueger said the student government has failed the

campus Jewish community, pointing to a history of antisemitism on campus, and acknowledged that ASUCD must be an ally to Palestinian students as well. “But our respect for the Palestinian community cannot come at the expense of the respect for the Jewish community,” his statement also said.

U of Wisconsin Hillel finds ‘Free Palestine’ spray-painted on building

(JNS) The outside of the Hillel building at the University of Wisconsin in Madison was vandalized on July 7, according to the organization. The words “Free Palestine” appeared on the concrete structure that welcomes people to the building, also known as the Barbara Hochberg Center for Jewish Student Life. “We view this act of vandalism as targeting the Jewish community and as an incident of bias,” said UW Hillel president and CEO Greg Steinberger in a Facebook post on the UW Hillel Foundation page. Steinberger said Hillel has contacted the Madison Metropolitan Police Department and the University of Wisconsin Police Department, in addition to notifying UW Hillel’s student leaders and board of directors. Around 12 percent of the U of Wisconsin student body is Jewish.

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Michael Paysnick to retire from Springfield JCC after 32 years

SPRINGFIELD - Michael Paysnick, who has spent 32 years at the Springfield Springfield Jewish Community Center – the past 12 of them as chief executive officer -- has announced his plans to retire.

Paysnick, 67, originally hoped to retire by Sept. 30, but in light of Covid-19, he says he will be staying around as long as he is needed, until a new CEO is hired or until the end of the year.

A committee has been formed to assist in the search for a new CEO, chaired by Richard Goldstein and vice-chaired by Sally Schneider. The committee also includes Jonathan Goldsmith, Sue Kline, Betsy Bertuzzi, Harvey Schrage, Amy Anderlonis,

MICHAEL PAYSNICK IN PURIM COSTUME.

Liz Cohen Rappaport, Lindsey Pratola and Adam Deutsch.

“We are confident that we will situate an effective CEO to lead us in the years to come,” said Jonathan Goldsmith, president of the Springfield JCC board of directors. “We are fiscally solid, known for our amazing programs, services and staff, as well as situated in a wonderful geographic location. As such, we are confident we will be hearing from many qualified applicants.”

Paysnick, who is a native of Cambridge, was actively involved in BBYO youth group, and that was one of the things that spurred him on to do Jewish communal work.

“Michael was instrumental in expanding existing programs as well as overseeing the initiation of new and creative programs and services, in a fiscally responsible manner,” said Goldsmith. “He successfully achieved the creation of the special needs program, Kehillah. He oversaw the expansion of the after school program and infant program in the Early Learning Center. In 2011, he achieved the successful hosting of the 2011 JCC Maccabi Games held at the Springfield JCC. During his time at the helm, Michael presided over numerous renovations and infrastructure improvements to the Center’s facility.”

The Springfield JCC received several

BY STACEY DRESNER

“I think it was my participation in leadership, including one from Human BBYO and the people that I came in contact Resources Unlimited (now Viability) with there, and my mother, who was the who recognized the J for its employment president and interim executive director at practices of hiring individuals with special our JCC in Cambridge, that really inspired needs. The J also received the Brianna me to go into this field.” Award for its commitment to providing quality programs and services for individuals with special needs and their families. Michael is only the fourth executive in the J’s 65 years on Dickinson Street. “I am truly honored to have been included in this incredible group of leaders who have helped to create a center of excellence and stability,” he said. Paysnick also PAYSNICK HANGING OUT WITH KIDS helped set the J on FROM THE J’S AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM. a path to financial

He attended Clark University, where achieved by working closely with the board he majored in psychology and education of directors. and got a masters degree in social work at “My work with the board has always University of Chicago. been a partnership in which our vision and

Paysnick arrived at the Springfield goals have been developed together and JCC as assistant executive director in shared,” Paysnick explained. “Their passion, September of 1988. In 2008, he succeeded support, and commitment to the J have now executive director Emeritus Mark inspired my work.” Dindas. During his tenure, Paysnick helped Paysnick’s formula for accomplishing his establish the J as the central meeting place leadership goals included a solid support of the Jewish and general community. staff.

sustainability, a goal recognition awards under Paysnick’s SPENDING TIME WITH LITTLE ONES IN THE J’S EARLY LEARNING CENTER.

“I believe in hiring the best people, giving them space to create, challenging their ideas, and then providing the support they need,” he said. “Involving stakeholders in the decision-making process is critical to success.”

While the tenure of many of the staff at the J is long, the tradition of the Springfield JCC serving as a launching ground for young professionals continued under Paysnick’s leadership. Many of those professionals who he supervised are now executives and leaders in not-for-profit agencies across the continent.

WITH LONGTIME ASSOCIATE BEV NADLER, THE J’S DIRECTOR OF ADULT LIFE.

He further reflected on the timing of his retirement during “The Great Pandemic” – Covid-19 -- a moment in history that could not have been imagined just a few months ago.

“I’m proud that the staff was able to make a huge transition quickly to continue serving our community in meaningful ways,” he said. “I am so appreciative that many of our members and those in the community continue to provide positive feedback about our efforts and financial support. The lay leadership and staff worked together beautifully to ensure our financial sustainability.”

“In addition to dutifully shepherding us through the Covid-19 pandemic, Michael also successfully led the J through the financial crisis of 2008-09,” added Goldsmith.

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