How to Respond to Anti-Israel and Antisemitic Scenarios on Campus

Legitimate Debate versus Antisemitism

Unfortunately, the line is often blurry. It is perfectly legitimate to criticize Israel’s policies. But criticism crosses the line into classic antisemitism when it exhibits what Natan Sharansky called the “Three Ds”:

 

  • Delegitimization—It is said that the Jewish State has no right to exist or Israelis do not belong in the Middle East.
  • Double Standards—Israel is condemned harshly for self-defense measures and social problems that are seen as acceptable or inevitable in other nations.
  • Demonization—Through distortions and lies, Israel is depicted as an evil and dangerous country, and the claim is made that if the Jewish State ceased to exist, the Middle East’s - and the world’s - main problems would be solved.


Jeremy Spiegel
Assistant Director, Jewish Community Relations Council
513-543-4524
jspiegel@jfedcin.org

Social Media Posts and Comments

 

THE SCENARIO


You see an anti-Israel social media post from a friend or acquaintance

 

HOW TO DEAL


It's important to take part in the online conversations about Israel; they are happening with or without us, so we should participate and lead them in positive and productive directions.

 

Who are you dealing with?
Before responding, though, first ask yourself, “Are set they in their ways? Or are they lacking facts and open to a dialogue?”

Determine the type of person you’re dealing with. If it's a hardcore troll, don’t waste your time. People like that frequently display vehemently anti-Israel and antisemitic behavior; it’s best to steer clear, ignore, and even report them where appropriate.

 

When should you engage?
Where you can and should engage, however, is with other audiences whose views can be changed, including an unaffiliated middle group of people who are largely uneducated on Israel. They can benefit from materials such as RT-worthy links and articles that offer a different perspective from the one they often see on American media.

 

What's the best way to respond?
If you decide it’s appropriate, you can certainly respond with your point of view. Don't get emotional or resort to name calling – always stay positive or you will undoubtedly lose. Acknowledge Israel’s flaws and note both sides of the story. Personal narratives go a long way. So do visuals. Citing facts and historical points also works well.

 

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BDS Movements

 

THE SCENARIO
You hear about a call for boycotts against Israeli products, government sanctions against Israel, or university divestment from Israeli companies

 

HOW TO DEAL
This case study from the University of Michigan can give you some possibilities for dealing with BDS movements.

Anti-Israel Rallies

 

THE SCENARIO
You learn that an anti-Israel rally is scheduled to take place in a prominent location on campus

 

HOW TO DEAL
 

You have several options for responding:

  • Reach out to pro-Israel groups, Hillel, or your JCRC about a response or plan.
  • Coordinate with your Hillel or other resources to ensure that someone will observe the rally - not to provoke, but rather to be aware of the messaging and situation.
  • Contact campus administrators and voice your concerns.

Note: Counter-protests are usually NOT recommended because they could create violent confrontations. However, if you determine a counter-protest is an appropriate response, always communicate with campus security. 

Biased Professors

 

THE SCENARIO
You’re in a statistics class and the professor suddenly switches topics to politics and American foreign policy. He complains that the U.S. should pull foreign aid to Israel because of its treatment of the Palestinians.

 

HOW TO DEAL
Although you may want to, we don’t recommend responding in the moment. Think through when a response could be more effective.

 

Consider contacting your campus Hillel to discuss your options. You might want to wait until the end of the semester and approach the administration. Or, if you feel the professor is approachable, you can go to office hours or make an appointment to calmly address his remarks and why you found them inappropriate.