Insights on Anti-Semitism in Higher Education

Aug 11, 2024

Notes from ISCAP Hour Presentation

Introduction

  • Host: David Harris, Vice Chair of ISCAP
  • ISCAP: Institute for the Study of Global Anti-Semitism and Policy
  • Focus: Investigating anti-Semitism in American higher education.

Overview of Recent Developments

  • Discussion with Charles Small, Executive Director of ISCAP.
  • Recent report on Columbia University as a case study of broader issues in academia.

Key Headlines from ISCAP Report on Columbia

  • Columbia University serves as a microcosm of anti-Semitism in American academia.
  • Notable collaboration between faculty and Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) linked to Muslim Brotherhood ideology.
  • Funding Concerns: Significant funding from Qatar to U.S. universities and connections to anti-Semitic rhetoric.
  • Jewish students and faculty report feeling unsafe, leading to online classes.
  • Public Figures: Professors like Edward Said and Judith Butler promote ideas that delegitimize Israel.

Background on Funding Sources

  • Qatar reportedly funnels tens of billions into U.S. higher education.
  • Funding purportedly supports anti-Israel narratives and academic programs.
  • Complexity of tracing funds due to various channels used by Qatar and its affiliates.

Calls to Action

  • Jewish Community: Encourage solidarity and pride in Jewish identity.
  • Government and University Leaders: Urge enforcement of existing laws against funding from entities that promote anti-Semitism.
  • Individual Actions: Call on representatives to stop funding from harmful regimes, scrutinize support for educational institutions with anti-Semitic practices.
  • Support for ISCAP: Reports available for public viewing at www.isgap.org.

Broader Implications

  • Anti-Semitism is not only a Jewish issue but a threat to American democracy and higher education.
  • Historical context: Anti-Semitism often begins with Jews but extends to broader societal implications.
  • Current events illustrate pervasive hatred that undermines democratic values.

Guest Interview: Mosab Hassan Yousef

  • Discussed his experiences related to Hamas and perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  • October 7 Attack: Described as an unprecedented act of ethnic cleansing.
  • Critique of Hamas vs. Israel: Emphasized moral inequivalence in the violence that ensued after the attack.

Key Messages from Mosab

  • Criticism of narratives that justify Hamas actions as resistance.
  • Emphasis on the need to confront extremist ideologies.
  • Urgency for the United States to adopt a strong stance against entities like Hamas and Iran.

Conclusion

  • Recognition of the significant threat posed by anti-Semitism and extremist ideologies.
  • Call for unity and proactive measures within the Jewish community and American society at large.