The protests against Israel’s military actions in Gaza have seen significant participation from Jewish groups, particularly progressive and anti-Zionist organizations like Jewish Voice for Peace. In mid-October 2023, roughly 400 activists gathered in a Congressional building, many of them wearing shirts stating “Not in Our Name.” This outpouring was followed by a notable protest at New York’s Grand Central Terminal and a student-led sit-in at Brown University, demanding divestment from companies linked to Israel. The involvement of Jewish students in these protests is noteworthy, given their perception of relative safety compared to their Palestinian, Arab, Muslim, Black, and noncitizen peers. This perceived security may have emboldened them to publicly oppose Israel’s actions, although they have faced consequences for their activism.
While it’s hard to quantify how many Jewish students have been punished for pro-Palestinian activism due to the often-secret nature of university disciplinary actions, anecdotal evidence suggests it’s a significant number. Despite the assumption that Jewish students are less vulnerable, they have reportedly faced various sanctions. At least four universities suspended their chapters of Jewish Voice for Peace in reaction to activism following the escalations in Gaza. Additionally, incidents have occurred where individual students faced punitive measures; for example, a Jewish student was suspended after voicing pro-Palestinian slogans during a pro-Israel event.
In the academic environment, repressive actions against Jewish students participating in pro-Palestinian activism have emerged, raising questions about the treatment of dissent on campus. The spread of punitive measures against even peaceful demonstrations has been alarming, encapsulated in cases where students built Gaza solidarity structures during Sukkot, only to have them dismantled by university authorities. This has led to a narrative where these actions are justified in the name of protecting Jewish students, despite the reality that many of those affected are themselves Jewish.
In stark contrast, pro-Israel organizations have applauded the universities’ crackdowns on pro-Palestinian protests. When Columbia University suspended its chapters of Jewish Voice for Peace alongside Students for Justice in Palestine, organizations like the Anti-Defamation League (A.D.L.) praised the move as a fulfillment of moral and legal responsibilities to safeguard Jewish students. These endorsements foster an environment where dissenting voices, including those that belong to Jewish students, are increasingly marginalized.
Further complicating the matter, notable individuals who have spoken against such policies have faced severe repercussions. Annelise Orleck, a former chair of Jewish studies at Dartmouth, recounted an experience where she was forcibly removed by police during a protest. Moreover, legal actions taken against activists at various universities reflect the broader trend of criminalizing dissent. After the Michigan attorney general announced charges related to protests at a Gaza solidarity encampment, reactions indicating support for such actions from certain Jewish communal leaders highlighted a deeply contentious climate around the issue.
Despite the A.D.L.’s evolving stance on freedom of speech and due process in these cases, it remains focused on combating what it views as antisemitism on campus. This complex interplay raises difficult questions about the boundaries of protected speech and activism in educational settings, particularly in relation to the experiences of Jewish students who find themselves on both sides of the argument. The ongoing tensions underscore the need for deeper discussions surrounding campus activism, antisemitism, and the rights of students to voice dissent without fear of reprisal.
