I come back from Israel to find out that in my own backyard, at my alma mater, the University of Toronto, (and Universities across Canada) they are having an Israeli Apartheid week. I am so disgusted by this term, let alone what is stands for. I am ready to hear about "dialogue on Israel" week or "peace prospects in the Middle East" but I'm not prepared for a slogan that by its essence condemns Israel. IAW delegitimizes Israel, that by its essence, her existence is a crime against humanity. Its so upsetting to hear that this is happening right now on our campuses. And what about the reports of Jewish students barricated at York in the Hillel offices by Palestinian supports screaming insults and swearing at them, while onlookers simply watched.
In response, I have seen some positive developments. In The Toronto Star, I read a great editorial from Gil Troy, a professor at McGill who reminds professors of their obligation to be moral exemplars of true freedom of speech on campuses. You can read his article at http://www.thestar.com/article/596860
I also read an article from a non-Jew, Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff who wrote quite passionately in the National Post condemning IAW. Here is one quote from his editorial:
"Criticism of Israel is legitimate. Attempting to describe its very existence as a crime against humanity is not.IAW is part of a global campaign of proclamations, boycotts and calls for divestment, which originated in the World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance held in Durban, South Africa, in 2001. Like "Durban I," IAW singles out one state, its citizens and its supporters for condemnation and exclusion, and it targets institutions and individuals because of what and who they are - Israeli and Jewish.IAW goes beyond reasonable criticism into demonization. It leaves Jewish and Israeli students wary of expressing their opinions, for fear of intimidation.No Canadian should ever have to fear for their safety in a public space because of who they are or what they believe."
for the full article you can go to the following website: http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/03/05/michael-ignatieff-israel-apartheid-week-and-cupe-ontario-s-anti-israel-posturing-should-be-condemned.aspx
In Hamilton on Tuesday night, the Hillel brilliantly scheduled a lecture by a Sudanese survivor entitled "Destroying the Apartheid Myth: A story of survival and security for Sudanese refugees in the State of Israel". Does the world know that refugees from Darfur are living in Israel, given citizenship and a new life after fleeing death, rape and destruction at the hands of the Janjaweed? What a great way to combat the anti-semitism of IAW by having a survivor speak of how thankful he is to Israel for giving him a new start on life.
Next week, along with my colleagues on the Greater Toronto Board of Rabbi's, we're each spending a day on different Toronto and Hamilton campuses to be a sounding board to students, give talks and support our Jewish students. I urge you to stay informed of what is happening on our campuses and show your support.
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First of all, we should ask those who believe that Israel is apartheid state, if they truly understand the definition of apartheid. It is clearly and objectively documented by Wikipedia.org.
ReplyDeleteThe crime of apartheid is defined by the 2002 Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court as inhumane acts of a character similar to other crimes against humanity "committed in the context of an institutionalized regime of systematic oppression and domination by one racial group over any other racial group or groups and committed with the intention of maintaining that regime." It lists such crimes as murder, enslavement, deprivation of physical liberty, forced relocation, sexual violence, and collective persecution.
It is true that a number of Israeli policies, regulations and even laws, may resemble some aspects of apartheid and have given the enemies of Israel the opportunity to launch the “Israel and the apartheid analogy”. Yet, the term Apartheid comes from Afrikaans for "apartness," is specific to South Africa’s past system of racial segregation, and shall not be used to describe other kinds of human injustice committed elsewhere. This is also true when criticizing the past racial laws in the US.
Secondly, we should encourage Israel’s critics to be objective and recognize its many humanitarian actions which reflect the true position of the state of Israel against racism and discrimination. There are many examples, including shelter and assistance given to refugees from Sudan, and I was particularly moved by the Jordan River Village project.
The Jordan River Village is a member of the non-profit Association of HITW Camps and is supported by the State of Israel. Fifteen leading hospitals along with the Israel Ministry of Health and other leading medical and professional organizations have already “partnered”. Its mission statement is: “To enrich the lives of Jewish and Arab children, in Israel and in the neighbouring countries, suffering from serious illnesses and life-threatening conditions by creating free, fun-filled, memorable, empowering, medically sound and safe camping experiences.”