Digital Library
Contemporary Antisemitism on American College Campuses
Topic:
General/Other
Principal Investigators:
Not listed
Study Date:
2023
Source:
Combat Antisemitism Movement,Israel on Campus Coalition (ICC)
Key Findings:
This report examines the rise of “Israel Apartheid Week” on college campuses and its implications on the erasure of Jewish identity within these institutions. It also provides solutions for creating a less hostile environment for Jewish students on campus.
The 2001 UN World Conference against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related tolerance was the first time the term “apartheid" was associated with Israel within a diplomatic sphere. The claim that Israel was committing acts of similar nature to South Africa’s apartheid was put forth by various NGOs in conjunction with the Palestinian leadership at the time.
Today, it has become a part of antisemitic rhetoric, and in 2023, anti-Israel groups on 48 college campuses in the U.S. hosted Israel Apartheid Weeks (IAW). The purpose of these week-long campaigns is to strengthen Israel’s association with the apartheid label by exhibiting artworks, op-eds and propel rhetoric that portrays Israel as racist and colonial. Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), Solidarity for Palestine Human Rights (SPHR) and Palestinian Societies (PalSocs) are some of the student organizations affiliated with IAW.
Events like IAW create a hostile environment for Jewish students on campus, as many feel targeted and excluded for expressing their allegiance to Israel. For many Jews, Zionism is inextricably tied to their Jewish identity, and events of this nature signal a direct attack on the nationalist and ethnic component of their Jewish identity.
The author suggests solutions to better protect Jewish and pro-Israel students on campus during events of this nature. For example, a university-wide adoption of the IHRA’s definition of Antisemitism is perhaps the most obvious way forward, as it would keep administrators, educators, and the institution itself liable in the event that they failed to act in the face of antisemitism. Other solutions the author suggests include implementing antisemitism training programs for administrators, faculty and students within these educational spheres.
Methodology:
A broad analysis of "Israeli Apartheid Week" activities from several U.S. college and university campuses was conducted. Special focus was dedicated to the rhetoric and images/displays employed, as well as specific characteristics of the hostile environments created by the groups responsible for the conception and implementation of "Israel Apartheid Week."