Facing up to anti-Israel and anti-Semitic issues on campus

By Ilan Solomons SAUJS National Political Affairs Officer

Jewish people have been hounded by the scourge of anti-Semitic rhetoric and actions throughout our history and our university campuses are no exception. Today however the groups that espouse these views are generally not brazen enough to openly admit to their anti-Semitic beliefs but rather lace it with the phrase ‘I am anti-Zionist not anti-Semitic’. It is true that not all Jews are Zionists however the overwhelming majority of world Jewry today recognize the importance of Israel as a safe haven against anti-Semites and a place where one can re-connect and even grow in faith. Those that often say these things often refer to the small sect known as the Neturei Karta which is infamous for its overt anti-Zionist/Israel beliefs. They often quote and speak of the leadership of this sect as the legitimate representatives of the Jewish people. This is far from the truth as we all well know.