As federal crackdowns on higher education intensify, Emerson College finds itself grappling with the complexities of balancing claims of antisemitism against a commitment to free expression.
In the past year, universities across the United States have been engaged in heated discussions concerning the prevalence of antisemitism on their campuses.
Following the controversial “Popular University Encampment” at Emerson, which resulted in the arrests of 118 protesters, questions regarding Jewish students’ perceptions of antisemitism have become more prominent.
The Beacon spoke with a range of Jewish students regarding their experiences and views on this issue, revealing deeper divisions within the Jewish community on campus.
In early 2020, then-President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at combating antisemitism and pro-Palestinian protests, leading to investigations into various colleges, including Emerson, for alleged discrimination and harassment against Jewish students.
The Trump administration argued that Jewish students were facing widespread discrimination, intimidation, and even physical threats.
The escalation of violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, especially following the Hamas attacks on October 7 that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis, has triggered renewed scrutiny of antisemitism at Emerson.
In response to these concerns, the college has implemented measures such as educational programs on antisemitism awareness, enhanced training for faculty, and ongoing partnerships with Hillel, an organization supporting Jewish student life.
However, not all members of the Emerson community have welcomed these efforts.
Critics point to Emerson Hillel’s national ties to Israel, including its promotion of Birthright trips, as problematic.
In light of this criticism, alternative groups like Boylston Jews Against Zionism (JAZ) have emerged, advocating for Palestinian liberation from an anti-Zionist perspective.
Zionism seeks to protect a Jewish state in what is now Israel, but its implications have sparked contentious debates on campuses nationwide.
Ava, a first-year theatre student and Hillel treasurer, has reported personal experiences of antisemitism, noting her discomfort when discussing her Jewish identity in public spaces due to fears of backlash.
Conversely, some students argue that they do not perceive antisemitism as a prevalent issue at Emerson.
Amanda, involved with JAZ, shared her belief that labeling all Jewish perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is itself a form of antisemitism.
She has observed moments of tension when discussing Jewish topics, attributing this to assumptions about her views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
A certain anonymous JAZ member humorously noted the absurdity of Emerson being labeled antisemitic when they argue that the university’s issues lie in areas such as access to prayer spaces rather than protests for Palestinian rights.
Katz expressed concerns about the federal definition of antisemitism, feeling that it fails to encompass the diversity within the Jewish identity.
He highlighted misconceptions in how the experiences of Jewish students—including converts—are often oversimplified or ignored.
Furthermore, definitions of antisemitism from organizations such as the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) face scrutiny for potentially framing valid criticisms of Israel as antisemitic.
The IHRA contends that applying double standards to Israel compared to other democratic nations is itself antisemitic.
Ava remarked on the need for better communication and understanding among protesters and those who feel uncomfortable with certain slogans used at protests.
Phrases like “from the river to the sea” have garnered mixed responses, with some interpreting them as calls for liberation and equality, while others, particularly within the Jewish community, see them as dangerous threats against Israel.
Navigating identity within the complex geopolitics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains challenging for many Jewish students at Emerson.
Robbins shared his discomfort for Israeli students who face discrimination simply because of their nationality.
Katz noted the lack of diversity in Jewish thought and perspectives on campus, highlighting a need for more inclusive representation.
Members of JAZ are drawn to their organization due to the perceived unavailability of diverse spaces, while some students, like Amanda, advocate for the coexistence of different Jewish organizations.
Robbins emphasized that Hillel’s primary mission is to connect Jewish students, stating the importance of fostering open dialogue among differing perspectives within the community.
Despite tensions rising between Hillel members and JAZ supporters, both groups have reported experiencing negative responses to their affiliations.
Katz pointed out that harassment can occur from individuals representing both sides, but this behavior does not reflect the values of the organizations themselves.
Looking forward, many students expressed a desire for more constructive discourse on Jewish identity at Emerson, emphasizing the need to avoid generalizations and foster better understanding.
Katz concluded, “We need to recognize that groups of people aren’t a monolith. There’s not one thing that Jews think, there’s not one thing that Muslim students think, there’s not one thing that Christian students think.”
image source from：https://berkeleybeacon.com/emerson-jewish-students-divided-on-claims-of-antisemitism-on-campus/
