Anti-Semitic incidents at universities
unacceptable
Students for Justice in Palestine would like to express its
concern over the recent increase in anti-Semitic and anti-Israeli
incidents on university campuses, discussed in “Jewish
student protection advised” (April 6).
As a student organization advocating Palestinian national
identity and human rights, we are a diverse group opposed to any
form of discrimination, racial or otherwise, and we welcome all
students to participate in dialogue about the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict.
Though Students for Justice in Palestine opposes certain
policies of the Israeli government and its actions in the occupied
territories, we are in no way hostile to Judaism, Jews or their
national identity. The Middle East conflict is the source of
intense controversy and should be approached with sensitivity and
compassion.
Political involvement is a vital part of college environments,
but this activism should not be a source of further conflict and
hatred. As students in the U.S., we have the luxury of approaching
Middle East politics in a nonviolent setting. We do not advocate
harassment, intimidation or violence in any cause. Any such
occurrence should be immediately and sternly reprimanded. Peace can
only be achieved through mutual understanding and cooperation, and
we look forward to such a state of mind among Arabs, Jews and all
peoples.
Khalid Hussein
Students for Justice in Palestine member