Spring Break
When it comes to Israel, we need to be open-minded
by Rachel Marder and Aaron Press Taylor
Columnists | 2/12/08
Posted online at 1:46 PM EST on 2/12/08
Israel advocates are certainly at home at Brandeis. We wish the same were true for those who feel conflicted about Israel. If you love Israel, if you care about its politics, the peace process or any other aspect, you can count on the array of Zionist clubs (Zionists for Historical Veracity, Student United for Israel, Brandeis Israel Political Action Committee, Brandeis Religious Zionist League, etc.) to frequently offer events. Every week it seems the campus hosts a lecture, a panel discussion or a social event about Israel. Last week, for example, Hillel hosted an Israel-themed Shabbat dinner. Events about Jewish-Israeli culture, medicine, politics and the education system are all important educational programs that enrich our community. But these events are generally missing voices that anyone who is concerned about Israel today must engage.
It is short-sighted to think that attending only events that reinforce what many already believe about Israel will bring peace to such a troubled land. And it is unfair to deny anyone seeking to learn more about the situation the opportunity to develop a nuanced perspective. A university, and more importantly a student body, that prides itself on pluralism should indeed embrace intellectual diversity in its many forms, not stifle it in fear.
Obviously, not all events can or should address all sides at once. Zionist groups on campus are entitled to program as they see fit. But when events are held that challenge these groups' political and ideological assumptions, their members barely turn out at all.
Chelsey Berlin '08 studied abroad last year in Egypt and spent a great deal of time in the West Bank. She has first-hand knowledge of Palestinian and Middle Eastern life in general. I, Rachel, attended her communiversity class last week, to watch a stimulating film and participate in a discussion about life for Palestinians in the territories. Only five students, including me, attended this class.
It was disappointing also last week when no more than a dozen students besides the organizers attended a panel discussion held for "Lighting Gaza Week" featuring Prof. Gordon Fellman (SOC) and a Palestinian student from Harvard.
It is short-sighted to think that attending only events that reinforce what many already believe about Israel will bring peace to such a troubled land. And it is unfair to deny anyone seeking to learn more about the situation the opportunity to develop a nuanced perspective. A university, and more importantly a student body, that prides itself on pluralism should indeed embrace intellectual diversity in its many forms, not stifle it in fear.
Obviously, not all events can or should address all sides at once. Zionist groups on campus are entitled to program as they see fit. But when events are held that challenge these groups' political and ideological assumptions, their members barely turn out at all.
Chelsey Berlin '08 studied abroad last year in Egypt and spent a great deal of time in the West Bank. She has first-hand knowledge of Palestinian and Middle Eastern life in general. I, Rachel, attended her communiversity class last week, to watch a stimulating film and participate in a discussion about life for Palestinians in the territories. Only five students, including me, attended this class.
It was disappointing also last week when no more than a dozen students besides the organizers attended a panel discussion held for "Lighting Gaza Week" featuring Prof. Gordon Fellman (SOC) and a Palestinian student from Harvard.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 7
Sickening
posted 2/13/08 @ 10:14 AM EST
You are a useful idiot. You do damage to the Jewish people by trying to whitewash or sugarcoat Palestinian terrorism by refusing to mention it. The word traitor comes to mind. (Continued…)
Go Israel!
posted 2/13/08 @ 5:35 PM EST
This article is so shameful.
First of all, it taints any and all objective articles the Justice wrote about Israel because we now see that the senior editorial team hates Israel. (Continued…)
Sara
posted 2/14/08 @ 11:40 PM EST
I feel compelled to write and express my extreme disappointment with the quality, tone, and overall bias of this article. As the President of Students United for Israel, I can speak for the club in saying that one of our goals is to promote events to expand participant?s knowledge of Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. (Continued…)
A conerned alum
posted 2/15/08 @ 1:25 PM EST
Dear Aaron and Rachel,
As an alum that was similarly disturbed by the disparity in events, attendance, and the narrow mindedness of the community on this issue - I sympathize with you. (Continued…)
A moderate
posted 2/17/08 @ 6:09 PM EST
Any student who has views critical of Israel is allowed to speak at our university. There is no censorship at Brandeis. There exists many forums where their views are professed. (Continued…)
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