The Complexities of Anti-Semitism on Campus: A Misconstrued Narrative

The phrase Do you think that Jewish students on college campuses are being targeted and silenced because they are Jewish and support Israel? is poorly phrased, and indeed, most Jewish students I've interacted with don't necessarily support the Israeli government's actions. However, regardless of their stance, they have faced targeted and intimidating behavior.

Targeting Without Support Affirmation

Recently, Jewish freshmen at a Kosher restaurant were aggressively targeted and intimidated. This incident exemplifies the flaw in targeting individuals based on assumptions rather than direct communication. Protesters assumed that these students supported the Israeli government without asking for their opinions.

In general, most Western Jews I've spoken to openly state that they don't support Netanyahu’s government or its actions when asked directly. The strongest supporters are often Christian Zionists, who hold apocalyptic views. Sadly, these protesters rarely target Christian Zionists, creating a dissonance in their activist strategies.

Perceptions and Personal Experience

Based on my experience living on a university campus, I haven't been directly targeted. I believe that if any Jewish students are afraid, it's because of the protesters, not the other way around. Jews are generally in positions of power in many countries, which can contribute to a perception of dominance and heightened awareness.

Geopolitical Ignorance and Targeting

The reasons behind targeting are sometimes rooted in a lack of understanding. Many campus protesters exhibit geopolitical illiteracy, jumping on fads without a proper grasp of the situation. A stark example would be pointing to Cambodia when asked to locate Israel on a map.

Some may argue that targeting Jewish students is simply due to their identity. However, I take exception to this narrative, as it fundamentally misunderstands the dynamics at play. Anti-Semites often seek to relocate or remove all Jewish people, not just those who support Israel’s government.

Random and Rare Incidents

Targeting Jewish students at random or infrequently is not a common occurrence in my experience. However, with the rise of pro-Palestine protests, there have been instances where Jewish students might be targeted if confrontations arise. These students are generally knowledgeable about potential dangers and can take detours to avoid such situations.

Conversely, if Jewish students were to show comparable support for Israel as they do for Palestine, the situation could escalate into violent confrontations.

It is important to address these complex issues with nuance and understanding. Targeting based on stereotypes and assumptions is not productive and only serves to exacerbate tensions. It is crucial to engage in open dialogue and education to foster a more inclusive and informed environment.

Keywords: anti-semitism, Jewish students, campus protests