Latest Campus Climate Update

CAMPUS CLIMATE UPDATE #5
November 7, 2024

I’m happy to share a great update the Jewish Student Union and Maryland Hillel issued last night after our pro-Israel community successfully defeated another SJP-sponsored Student Government Divestment Bill. Our students first defeated the bill in its primary committee (343-265-2) and then the SGA legislators held up this vote (19-17-2).

I never cease to be inspired and amazed by the resilience, dedication, leadership and passion that our student leaders exhibit time and time and time again. We were concerned that this anti-Israel bill would move forward, given the changing climate, but our students prevailed. Last night, hundreds of students attended the general meeting and over 40 students spoke out publicly against the bill (vs. only 8 in support of it). While the Jewish people have been under attack these past several years, we can all rest assured that the University of Maryland Hillel student leaders remain both vigilant and vibrant!
 

I also want to apprise you that we expect the University’s task force on antisemitism and Islamophobia to issue a report soon, and I will reach out again to update everyone on where things stand.

Until then, wishing everyone well during these challenging times!
Ari  

Statements made by the Jewish Student Union and Maryland Hillel

https://www.instagram.com/p/DCDVolzp2Wb/?igsh=MTNheXpqZ3R1bmk3aA== 

The Jewish Student Union and Maryland Hillel are relieved that the Student Government Association (SGA) has once again chosen the side of morality by rejecting the divestment bill. This is the second semester in a row that SGA has stood against divisive proposals that could harm our campus community. 

This bill endorsed the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, which is both dangerous and antisemitic. At a time when antisemitism is surging globally, seeing this bill fail reassures us that our campus is committed to rejecting hate. 

The BDS movement aims to undermine Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East. At this critical moment, standing with Israel means supporting a nation that values human rights and freedom for all citizens, regardless of race or religion. 

For over a year, hundreds of our community members’ family and friends have been held hostage, with many tragically murdered in captivity. Ignoring this reality while attacking Israel is not only unjust but deeply hurtful to our community. 

This bill sought to villainize Israel, applying a double standard that ignores the reality of Hamas’s brutality. Holding Israel to this double standard dismisses the suffering inflicted by Hamas on both Israelis and Palestinians. 

The true perpetrators of Palestinian suffering are Hamas, an internationally recognized terrorist organization that prioritizes Israel’s destruction over the well-being of its own people. Hamas has proven it has no regard for the Palestinian people’s welfare. 

We mourn the innocent lives lost on both sides of the Israel-Hamas conflict. War is brutal, and we share in the grief and struggles of all who are impacted by this violence. Our hearts go out to everyone on campus who is grieving. 

Our vision is for unity, inclusion, and a campus where everyone, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or background, feels a sense of belonging. This bill threatens that vision by introducing division, rather than fostering peace and understanding. 

We reject the antisemitic double standards in this bill while standing firmly for human rights. Our commitment to human rights includes respect for all individuals, but we believe peace and justice cannot be achieved through hate or unfair targeting.  

We thank the SGA for its commitment to a fair process and for prioritizing campus unity. We urge them to continue rejecting divisive and harmful resolutions. Let us move forward together, working to build a stronger, more inclusive community for everyone. 

—————————————————————————————————————— 

Thank you to all who have donated to our fund to address antisemitism on campus, which supports educational efforts and initiatives aimed at raising awareness of antisemitism and the impact of BDS campaigns. Our primary role is to support, guide, and empower students in their efforts to oppose this bill within the SGA process.
 

Ari Israel
Executive Director/Rabbi