Spring Break
Palestinian club chartered
by Miranda Neubauer
Senior Writer
News | 3/25/08
Posted online at 1:58 AM EST on 3/25/08
Noam Shouster '11, a Jewish Israeli from a mixed Jewish-Arab town, is co-founder of the club. She said it's possible to be both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli.
Brandeis Students for Justice and Peace in Palestine unofficially sponsored events during the recently held Gaza Awareness week that included a film screening and panel discussions. Hanania said this was a precursor of events to come.
The club's goal, she emphasized, is to give equal weight to both sides.
As an example of the one-sided nature of campus discussion, she pointed to a campuswide e-mail that was sent out announcing a memorial held for the victims of the March 6 shooting in the Mercaz Harav Yeshiva in Jerusalem.
While emphasizing that she thought the shooting was wrong and unnecessary, she said such an e-mail had a one sided perspective.
Tanenbaum, also the BIPAC president, said he had misgivings because similar groups on other campuses were often "very leftwing" and opposed to a two-state solution for the conflict.
He added that some groups on other campuses held protests that included chants such as "death to Israel" or "death to America."
Brooks said he supports the idea of having a group on campus that represents the Palestinian point of view and said he thinks that constructive dialogue will be beneficial to the campus.
Brooks also said that groups with similar names on other campuses distributed false information.
He suggested that the group should not affiliate itself by name to groups he said held radical points of view and should seek affiliation with another umbrella organization.
Brooks said he objects to the use of the term Palestine in the club's name.
"Most people who use that word use it as a reference to a nation that exists, and that's just historically false, there isn't a nation that exists," he said.
He suggested using the term "Palestinian people" instead.
Brandeis Students for Justice and Peace in Palestine unofficially sponsored events during the recently held Gaza Awareness week that included a film screening and panel discussions. Hanania said this was a precursor of events to come.
The club's goal, she emphasized, is to give equal weight to both sides.
As an example of the one-sided nature of campus discussion, she pointed to a campuswide e-mail that was sent out announcing a memorial held for the victims of the March 6 shooting in the Mercaz Harav Yeshiva in Jerusalem.
While emphasizing that she thought the shooting was wrong and unnecessary, she said such an e-mail had a one sided perspective.
Tanenbaum, also the BIPAC president, said he had misgivings because similar groups on other campuses were often "very leftwing" and opposed to a two-state solution for the conflict.
He added that some groups on other campuses held protests that included chants such as "death to Israel" or "death to America."
Brooks said he supports the idea of having a group on campus that represents the Palestinian point of view and said he thinks that constructive dialogue will be beneficial to the campus.
Brooks also said that groups with similar names on other campuses distributed false information.
He suggested that the group should not affiliate itself by name to groups he said held radical points of view and should seek affiliation with another umbrella organization.
Brooks said he objects to the use of the term Palestine in the club's name.
"Most people who use that word use it as a reference to a nation that exists, and that's just historically false, there isn't a nation that exists," he said.
He suggested using the term "Palestinian people" instead.
Viewing Comments 1 - 8 of 16
Rev, Mackenzie
Mackenzie
posted 3/26/08 @ 12:52 AM EST
I don't understand why the term "Palestine" is objected and "Palestinian people" is suggested. I'm pretty sure it is documented (yes, Brooks...historically) that a nation Palestine exists. (Continued…)
That said...
posted 3/27/08 @ 10:42 AM EST
...it's tough to argue that a club is "going to give weight to both sides" when its called "Brandeis Students for Justice and Peace in Palestine." In fact, one might argue it's a little biased, no? There aren't any clubs on campus called "Brandeis Students Against Terrorism in Israel. (Continued…)
Mamoon Darwish
posted 3/27/08 @ 1:21 PM EST
Mr. Brooks,
"Most people who use that word use it as a reference to a nation that exists, and that's just historically false, there isn't a nation that exists,"
I'm not going to lower myself to your degrading level. (Continued…)
Against terrorism in Israel too
posted 3/27/08 @ 3:45 PM EST
I am planning on being an active member in this new club-
Brandeis students for Justice in Palestine. A big part of why I am doing that is because I am against and I hate terrorism against Israel- saying Palestine does not mean terrorism!! hoping for justice, educating for dialog -- this is what will bring the terrorism in Israel to stop! establishing this club on campus does not mean it supports terrorism against Israel! lets stop victimizing ourselves and start LISTEN! listen to people who care about an equality who are actually not afraid and threatened by this club- but hope to see fruits of awareness, Palestinian, Israeli and Jewish speakers to come on campus and educate all of us for a better future, I am asking anyone who feels uncomfortable by this club to go and talk to the people who are active in this club, find out what it is all about- if you still feel uncomfortable(which you will not. (Continued…)
Thomas Quasthoff
posted 3/30/08 @ 12:17 AM EST
No nation of Palestine? Goodness me! There wasn't a nation of Kosovo until a few weeks ago; does that mean 'Kosovo'is a myth and the Kosovars are just kidding themselves?
em
posted 3/31/08 @ 11:54 AM EST
Obviously Palestine has existed at some point, even if it's not currently a place recognized by everyone. By saying someone's homeland doesn't exist you're just being rude. (Continued…)
Gideon Klionsky
posted 5/08/08 @ 12:16 AM EST
Dear Noah Klinger,
Sorry to blow your cover as Thomas Quasthoff. How long have you been using this pseudonym? It's really quite a clever one. Only don't you think Donald McIntyre was a better baritone, even if he did have real hands?
Gideon
Gideon Klionsky
posted 5/08/08 @ 5:18 PM EST
Noah,
Keep insulting my intelligence. It really helps demean the quality of my arguments.
You did try posting under my name on the other article. (Continued…)
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