A novel idea for putting an end to antisemitism on college campuses

While so many university administrators have turned a blind eye to the antisemitic protests and expressions which have been occurring on their campuses, it was refreshing to read how University of Southern California (USC) was dealing with the problem. 

For the infraction of “violating school codes of conduct during protests, obstructing campus safety officers and failing to comply with officer instructions and disorderly conduct,” the punishment meted out, in addition to “being banned from campus and classes as part of a suspension that could last through next spring,” included writing a four-page apology letter, called a “reflection essay” about their inappropriate behavior which was displayed. 

Although this is more than most schools are requiring, in the age of AI, where anyone can request a pre-written essay on whatever subject they want, this punitive measure might not do anything to change the ignorant opinions held by such students. In fact, cheating the system, by having a computer do the hard work, will just further serve to show their contempt. 

However, there is a way to kill two birds with one stone. One of Israel’s perennial complaints has been their lament over the lack of “hasbara,” defined as a communications strategy to disseminate the truth. It is believed that, due to crucial missing information, many of today’s Gen Zers have fallen for malevolent anti-Israel narratives, based on lies, false reports and vicious accusations which have no basis in truth. Wanting to embrace popular trends, it’s no wonder that these twisted versions are adopted and believed as an accurate portrayal of today’s events.

But what if Israel were to choose the best, most articulate and appealing spokespeople whose English was impeccable and who were able to give a riveting lecture, accompanied by footage and other authentic documentation, constituting a vital re-education program needed to cut through the Marxist propaganda which has penetrated the minds and hearts?

What if such a seminar was obligatory for students who had been suspended, offering the chance to redeem themselves by attending several sessions, followed by a Q & A where doubts and challenges could be addressed by a panel of knowledgeable and articulate individuals who would set the record straight by providing real and incontrovertible facts? 

Such a compulsory program could provide the ultimate opportunity for the kind of hasbara which has not yet been available, affording misguided students with the chance to see a new perspective that has eluded them. It would almost be like bringing them to Israel to see what took place on October 7th, meet with those who were there to witness the atrocities, speak to friends and relatives of the hostages and feel the pain and agony first hand of what caused us to fight an enemy we never believed could be reduced to such barbaric and savage acts.

As the harsh reality begins to sink in of what really took place, the lies and made-up accusations might begin to dissipate, causing these students to finally realize just how easy it was to dupe them into believing that Jews are the perpetrators of genocide, an occupying force in someone else’s land and a detested class of white supremacists whose privilege has caused them to oppress the downtrodden. 

Every single one of these myths would systematically be addressed, in a series of lectures, where those who protested would have to respectfully and quietly listen to what is being presented. Anyone failing to participate, in a worthy manner, would be suspended indefinitely, losing precious time in the pursuit of their degree, the reason for which they supposedly came to study at a prestigious university, rather than engage in protests over subjects which they are woefully ignorant. 

Every American university should begin to consider making this a policy in order to deal with the unrest that they are experiencing, often leading to physical or verbal violence against their Jewish student body and faculty. Once such a policy becomes mandatory, it will send a strong message that hate is not welcome at this university. 

In fact, why limit it to institutions of higher learning? It can also be administered in corporate America, Unions and other venues which have seen a marked rise in antisemitic rhetoric and protest. Because blindness and lack of factual information is not necessarily reserved for inexperienced students who have a propensity toward group think. Many adults also fall into this category, unwilling to open-mindedly connect and speak to those they have been told are evil in order to see for themselves whether or not it’s true.

After all, there is no such thing as an entire race of people being a monolith of one opinion, one sentiment or one proclivity. Everyone is an individual and deserves to be judged according to their own merits. To paint one group with a broad brush of hatred, innuendo or disregard is to wrongly judge every man, woman and child as undeserving of consideration or even the chance to prove their worth, because they have already been deemed contemptible and irredeemable. 

Who among us stands as that kind of perfect arbiter, free of all culpability, faultless and blameless? Is there anyone who has lived a perfect life and, therefore, eligible to determine the value of the rest of humanity? And, if not, why should people be viewed through the unforgiving lens of Woke ideology which offers no possibility of forgiveness, redemption or the ability to change and become a better person? 

It is that insidious toxic viewpoint which has ignited a wildfire, spreading throughout America’s campuses, causing students to become easy prey for those who wish to turn them into an army of haters towards their fellow sojourners. Unaware of the cunning and deceitful aspiration to recruit these young people into their ranks, they employ the most attractive means of bait to get them hooked. In this case, it is a camaraderie which is accomplished through being part of a bloc which thinks and acts in lockstep.  

But here is an opportunity to counteract that malady. Break up the monopoly of thought by introducing truth, backed up by documented fact. It’s a win-win for Israel and for every institution which has been dealing with this horrible disorder since October 7th.