"Do we say 'Israel' or 'Palestine' in this class?" interrupted a student of Arab descent after I introduced myself as a student from Israel. Ignoring the fact that we are in academia, which is probably no longer considered a hotbed of discourse and critical discussion as in the past. The lecturer got nervous and pushed back the question: "We don't have time for this – we'll move on to the next student."
The clashes between Jewish and pro-Palestinian students on American campuses prior to October 7 can be likened to past IDF operations in Gaza – short and without long-term impact, in which both sides are preparing for the next campaign.
But what is happening in American universities is not a campaign or an operation, but a multi-front war with many casualties. No one anticipated the extent of hatred and anti-Semitism in America's prestigious universities. The lack of respectful discourse, the weakening of the influence of pro-Israel student organizations, and most importantly, the union between students from the Middle East, who are outspoken haters of Israel, and progressive local youth – all these have turned elite institutions into fortresses of anti-Semitic hatred.
For a long time, an alliance has been forged between a vocal pro-Palestinian minority, which has been chanting "from the river to the sea" since childhood, and liberal students who see themselves as defenders of the "oppressed" and "occupied" sides, who align themselves with progressive principles. This toxic coalition has become the engine behind the hate marches, which have terrorized Jewish students since the beginning of the fighting.
The coalition owes its "success" to two main factors: The first is the administration of the institutions, which has chosen to remain silent or respond in such a feeble and shameful manner to the violent events that it seems to be working for the UN – perhaps because of fear of the tycoons in Doha, who line the campuses with billions of dollars, since Qatari money does not go only to Gaza and only in suitcases. The second factor is the lack of sanctions on extremist students who tear up posters of abductees, call for an intifada, and act violently.
No student would want a quick Google search of his name to turn up results with an anti-Semitic flavor. Therefore, threatening to publicly expose students accused of violent activity is a strong deterrent
In order for the Premier League to regain the prestige it lost due to the stain of anti-Semitism that has stuck with it, it must deter students, especially Americans, who are thinking of joining the radical side of the protests. The biggest nightmare for students is to finish their degree without signing a prestigious contract.
After paying tens of thousands of dollars every year and investing in an "app" – the complex application for admission and screening tests – they want to pay off the fattest check. No student would want a quick Google search of his name to turn up results with an anti-Semitic flavor. Therefore, threatening to publicly expose students accused of violent activity is a strong deterrent.
It is also necessary to act operatively. Denying scholarships, expelling students from student residences and even being expelled from the academic benches will make students think about whether it is worthwhile to encourage an intifada – a word whose meaning is doubtful to him. Perhaps it is better to focus on making the American dream come true.
Wrong? We'll fix it! If you find a mistake in the article, please share with us