When anti-Zionism becomes anti-Semitism

By Andrew Summey

Durban III not welcomed in New York

It is not everyday that state and/or city governments take on situations that are national in scope; however, I am proud that my local city councilman Lew Fidler has taken on such an important issue. On April 6, 2011, Councilman Lew Fidler introduced Res. 762 (click here to read the the full resolution) which, as states in the title is a "Resolution calling upon the United Nations to either cancel or relocate the Durban III conference, currently scheduled to convene in New York City in September, 2011 and if the conference does occur calling upon President Obama to boycott it and for the City to afford it no accommodation other than that which is necessary to protect the public." As of this writing, the resolution is in committee (click here to see the progress of this resolution). 

Make sure to not only call to thank Coucilman Fidler, but I ask my fellow New Yorkers to call their State Senators and Assembly members to ask them to act against this forum for anti-Semitism (for those of you who do not know about why this conference should not welcomed in New York, click here to read about the "Durban II" conference). If you do not know who you representative is in either or both houses, click here to find your New York State Senator and click here for your member in the New York State Assembly. 

Protecting yourself from Anti-Semitism in the classroom

Confronting hate is no easy task. More so even when it is in the classroom; however, I hope the following information would make it easier to confront a professor who clearly is abusing his/her power to indoctrinate, not to educate. Now, it may be intimidating to confront professor's like Norman Finkelstein and Noam Chomsky, but keep in mind that not only will your Hillel or local Jewish organization stand behind you, but the American government.

According to a document written by the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), if schools do not take action to correct actions against Jewish students, these schools will be in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which prohibits discrimination based on race, sex, color or national origin. While it does not add "religion" to the group that is protected, in a letter (see here) written by then director of the OCR Kenneth Marcus in 2004 and reaffirmed as policy in 2010 under the Obama administration, discrimination against religious groups are added to this protection as stated in the letter that "groups that face discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics may not be denied protection under Title VI on the ground that they also share a common faith."

Now, what does this mean to you the students? Some of you may remember this ugly incident at UC Irvine a year ago:


Well the students known as the "Irvine 11" were arrested and were charged with "with misdemeanor conspiracy to commit a crime and misdemeanor disruption of a meeting." They have pleaded not guilty to these charges (see here). Also, UC Irvine is being investigated by the OCR for anti-Semitism (see here) for events such as this and other examples of anti-Semitism at UC Irvine (see the letter of complaint to the OCR here).

So don't be afraid. If there is anti-Semitism, or racism going on in the classroom, don't be afraid to speak up. You have the right to an education, not an indoctrination.

Hate doesn't happen

Hate isn't simple. No one person is born hating from the womb. They are taught to hate by the environment around them. Whether it's their parents, their school, or even in media, hate just doesn't happen.









So I ask those of you alleged "freedom lovers" who stand with the leaders of the Palestinian Authority, of Hamas, of Hezbollah the following question: After seeing these videos, would you want your family to see and hear those words and images?

To those of you on college campuses and part of Palestine Clubs or clubs that promote peace but stand with groups and organizations like those mentioned above, why would you even consider standing with them?

I want to be clear, I want peace. But if peace is going to grow in the Middle East towards Israel, it will have less to do with the Jewish State and more about the mindset towards Jews in general. Hopefully, with the recent upheaval in Arab countries and more young people wanting freedom in their countries, we will one day we closer to building bridges towards peace instead of bombs.

Goldstone report reconsidered

In October 2009, the findings of the "Goldstone report"  were made to the world, filled with inaccurate information and lies directed at Israel. In this past Friday's Washington Post (click here), Richard Goldstone, the author and chairperson of the report, wrote that if he knew what we know now then, then the report would be a lot different towards Israel.

It's that time again...

With Israel "Apartheid" week coming and going to campuses around the world, it is time for those Pro-Israel activists to come together to remind the world what it means to be pro-Israel: it means pro-peace. Yes, Israel is not a perfect country. Ask any Israeli. I promise you no one Israeli will have the same response on what is right or wrong with Israel. But, that is how democracy works. But, Israel has and always stood up for peace. Israel has always stood with it's ally, the United States, waiting for someone to come through that door and discuss peace. It wasn't Arafat, he decided long before Camp David in 2000 that he wanted war. It is not anyone currently in the Palestinian Authority, as they continue to promote the murder of innocent civilians (see here and here).

Yet, Palestinian clubs and other far left wing clubs/organizations have the audacity to blame Israel for apartheid?! Watch the video below and you tell me (courtesy of StandWithUs).

Why no to peace?

While Palestinian Clubs across college campuses fan the flames of hate against Israel and the Jewish State, they refuse to hold the Palestinian Authority accountable for any violations and abuse of their own people.



Why don't they care about women's rights in the Muslim world?



Why do they not care about what is being taught to future generations?




Explain to me, why is it that you chose to fan the flames of hate, of bigotry, or lies, and anti-Semitism? Why don't you want peace?

Hopefully, one day, we can share in a reality of real peace.