By Melody Wang
Daily Bruin Contributor
While today’s Israeli Independence Day will be marked by
celebration, members of the Muslim Student Association say the day
is not so liberating.
MSA is holding forums and rallies this week denouncing Zionism,
which they contend is a movement that oppresses Palestinians.
“When people think of that day, they think it’s a
time for celebration,” said Fadi El Tahrawi, president of
MSA. “Actually many people were killed.”
Many Jews, however, say Zionism is an international movement for
a Jewish homeland, Israel.
But MSA members contend Zionism actually oppresses Palestinians,
who occupy the area that is now Israel.
This on-campus debate, which has occurred numerous times in the
past, has touched off emotions as members of the two communities
deal with an international issue that is personal to many.
Jewish community members said that MSA’s campaign is
divisive.
“This is just intolerance and this by no means will lead
to a better educated campus,” Adam Rosenthal, a general
representative on the Undergraduate Students Association Council
said at a meeting Tuesday.
But at the center of much of the debate is the definition of
Zionism, something the two sides can’t agree on.
El Tahrawi defined Zionism as “a political movement to
establish a Jewish state at the expense of Palestinians.”
Zionism, though, is part of Judaism, said Rabbi Chaim
Seidler-Feller, director of the Hillel Jewish Student Center and a
self-titled Zionist.
“For many Jews, Zionism is not only about a piece of
property, but is an aspect of the Jewish identity,”
Seidler-Feller said. “When Muslims attack Zionism,
they’re attacking the identity of Jews.”
El Tahrawi said the two can be separated.
“A lot of people have the misconception that Zionism is
equal to Judaism,” he said. “Some Jews are Zionists,
some aren’t.”
Amidst campaigning for student government elections on Bruin
Walk, MSA has placed a table in the center of the walk, which has
been the location of several debates.
Imam Saadullah Khan, director of Muslim affairs at UCLA and USC
and Shahab Kazfar, a UCLA graduate student in education, spoke
about the differences between Judaism and Zionism at a forum Monday
evening.
At the forum, Khan and Kazfar argued Zionism is different from
Judaism because it utilizes force.
“The issue of Zionism not only affects Muslims, but
affects everyone,” Kazfar said.
El Tahrawi said the week of events is not only intended to raise
awareness about Zionism, but also to inform students about the
Israeli Day of Independence, an event Jewish students take pride
in.
“It’s important to celebrate that the Jewish people
have a homeland of their own and that it’s flourishing and
prospering.” said Rachel Metson, a member of the Jewish
Student Union.
JSU has plans to mark the event, including a block party tonight
to celebrate the 52nd anniversary of the creation of Israel.
El Tahrawi, however, said the Israeli Day of Independence should
not be celebrated at all, and the Israeli government itself should
be eliminated because of what he called the oppression of
Muslims.
“Muslims need to be compensated for 52 years of
oppression,” El Tahrawi said.
But others said people should work on reforming, not removing
the Israeli government.
“There needs to be a compromise even if it may be
impossible or really hard,” said Raja Farah, a third-year
English student.
Some students acknowledge these debates are typical at this time
of year.
“It’s something that’s expected and we realize
it’s because we have a difference of opinion,” Metson
said.