The House Education Committee is holding hearings tonight (Tuesday Israel time) for the presidents of Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania and other universities in light of the wave of anti-Semitic incidents on campuses against the backdrop of the Iron Sword War.
Seven schools and universities have investigated allegations of anti-Semitism or Islamophobia since the war began.
Anti-Semitism must not poison us
The Education Committee announced Thursday's hearing as part of the Biden administration's effort to take "aggressive action" against discrimination. Schools found to have violated the Civil Rights Act could face various penalties, including the complete loss of federal money spent on schools, though the vast majority of cases end in voluntary settlements.
Penn President Liz Magill said in her opening remarks: "The university would not be what it is without its Jewish community. I am proud of the members of our Jewish community. Under my leadership, we will not shirk our commitment to fighting hate."
Pro-Palestinian demonstration at the University of Michigan // Archive | Reuters
Pamela Nadel, professor of Jewish studies at American University, said: "There were students who justified the massacre of Hamas in the name of their opposition to Israel and hatred of Jews around the world. Freedom of speech is at the core of our values, but it should not allow discrimination, threats and harassment in any form."
MIT President Dr. Sally Kornbluh also spoke, saying, "I will repeat my words immediately after the massacre – the brutality against innocents by Hamas is terrible and unjustified."
"I repeat that message today. Anti-Semitism is real and it is growing in the world and it must not poison our community. The messages of the leadership must be accompanied by actions. I am aware of Jewish students' fear for their safety. As president of the university, I am committed to making sure that we protect freedom of expression."
Anti-Israel demonstrations at Harvard, photo: AFP
Last night (Monday), the IDF Spokesperson's horror film was screened at Harvard University. This is the first time that the film has been screened at a university in the United States and was broadcast adjacent to the hearing planned for hundreds of students and faculty members.
The event was jointly initiated by Israel's ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, and American billionaire Bill Hackman, who called on American companies not to employ pro-Palestinian students who participated in anti-Israel protests on campus.
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