Crossing the Line: The Intifada Comes to Campus
Antisemitism on campus has always been an issue. For years now, Hasbara has been a major part of Jewish Organization’s efforts to spread information about the State of Israel and it’s legitimacy, spread understanding amongst university students, and educate campuses on Zionism. But most recently, anti-Israeli activism has risen to unprecedented levels. With official speaking platforms being given to the President of Iran, and riots on campuses burning Israeli flags, it’s obvious that new strides need to be taken to counter this hateful phenomenon.
The Campaign
Crossing the Line: The Intifada Comes to Campus is a film that follows the increasing anti-Israel sentiment that arose as a result of Israel’s Operation Cast Lead in Gaza during late 2008 and early 2009. According to the film’s website, “The documentary demonstrates the blurring of anti-Israel and anti-Semitic lines, showing how the War evoked deep anti-Jewish sentiments amongst college students and professors.”
An important issue addressed in the film is the connection between the famous Muslim Brotherhood (originated in Egypt, but widespread in many Arab countries,) and the Muslim Student Association.
What constitutes a Anti-Semitism?
For many people not familiar with the Middle-East conflict, it’s easy to see the lines between Anti-Zionism, Anti-Israel, and Anti-Semitism as extremely blurred. They’re all anti-Jewish stuff. Some are against ideology, some against the State, and some against the people. So are they all one and the same? Natan Sharansky, recently appointed head of the Jewish Agency makes the rule really clear:
Sharansky’s Anti-Semitism Test (the 3 D’s)
The images and video shown here is absolutely shocking. It’s not gory. It’s not lude. It’s just people saying things. But the things they say are the equivalent of hate-speeches. A speech saying “There will be peace when Israel is gone, and we’re in control again” is just a tiny example of the rhetoric being thrown around on campuses. How can Israel not take these statements seriously?
Getting Active
First, before doing anything – Watch the film:
Once you’ve done that – click on the “Get Active” button on the right hand side. This will pop a window that gives you plenty of options on how to get active.
You can click on any one of the tens of venues and opportunities for you to help bring education and understanding to your campus.
