Anti-Israel Movement. Training for young anti-Israel activists was on the agenda last week at the Convention for Palestine. The event in Chicago included sessions for dozens of college students in how to galvanize support for their campus activities. The conference was hosted by American Muslims for Palestine, a group that ADL describes as being at the core of the anti-Israel and anti-Zionist movement in the United States. Sessions included "Make Your Campus Palestinian" and "In Front of the Lens," the latter of which teaches these activists how to deflect questions like whether they support terrorism.

DEEPER: Read ADL’s backgrounder on American Muslims for Palestine and their significant role in anti-Israel and anti-Zionist activities.

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Houston. Outside the University of Houston's Board of Regents meeting last week, SJP held a sit-in to call for divestment from Israel. The protesters hoisted 'wanted' posters featuring university and board leaders, blaming them for investing in “genocide.” A handful of SJP members were allowed into the meeting to speak out about their anti-Israel objectives. Board chair Tilman Fertitta begged to differ, saying “My fellow board of regents, I understand their plight, but I do not think any of you are financing genocide.”

(Protesters outside the UHCL campus on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024 | Source: Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar)

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Tennessee. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga invited Israel's Consul General, Anat Sultan-Dadon, to speak at an event unpacking the war in Gaza. The event sparked tensions on campus, with protestors gathering outside the event. Despite criticisms, the event fostered greater awareness of the complexities surrounding the conflict, with some attendees appreciating the opportunity to gain insights into Israel’s perspectives. One student said, “I felt that it was productive in gaining a better understanding of what Israel wants in order to feel secure in the region.”

The Spin Zone. It is no secret that slanted media coverage has significantly influenced the rise of antisemitism on campus since October 7th. University of Birmingham student Orli Ruback explores how media reports — often using incomplete or misleading narratives — have fueled chants and protests that parrot these claims without context. Ruback highlights how incomplete or misleading headlines, such as initial reports falsely blaming Israel for the Al Ahli hospital blast, have shaped harmful narratives. These inaccuracies, coupled with disproportionate sympathy for Palestinians in outlets like the BBC (64% higher sympathy), have influenced campus protests and chants, labeling Israel as "genocidal" or a perpetrator of "war crimes." Ruback concludes, and we agree, that as long as media platforms fail to provide balanced reporting, the hostile climate on campuses will persist.

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Do As I Protest, Not As I Do. A.J. Caschetta takes a critical look at anti-Israel protestors, exposing the performative nature of their calls for boycotts and divestment. Forget Sabra hummus and Cherry tomatoes… Caschetta highlights how following through would require abandoning essential technologies like cell phones, USB drives and medical advancements — all innovations developed in Israel. The author eloquently showcases the impracticality and inconsistency of such boycotts while criticizing their symbolic nature. Basically, if you’re going to talk the talk, you better be ready to walk the walk.

Remembering Zolat. A moving, insightful profile of Gary Lalhruaikima Zolat, who was tragically killed last month by a Hamas missile, sheds light on both his life and the unique experience of the Bnei Menashe, Israel’s 4,000-member Indian Jewish community. Zolat was the first member of that community to be killed in the war with Hamas over the past year. In the article, members of the community talk about both their integration into Israel and what makes this community unique and special. Zolat's sister talked about how her brother’s army service was “his happiest” time. “This was when his life started to come together.”

(Gary Lalhruaikima Zolat | Source: EFRAT LALHRUAIKIMA ZOLAT)

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Ballin’ on and off the Court. Former NBA player Omri Casspi is making waves in the business world with his new venture capital fund, Swish Ventures, focused on supporting Israeli entrepreneurs. With $60 million invested, Casspi is targeting early-stage startups in fields like cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and artificial intelligence. Casspi told The Times of Israel that the timing of this project was no coincidence: “in this not easy climate during war... we see this period as Zionism 2.0, a time and age of building generational companies from Israel, and we want to take advantage of that and help them build a great industry.” Investors are committed to Casspi, even during these challenging times, showing just how much people are willing to bet on Israel’s success, longevity and strength.

• Students — how to take action, deal with antisemitism, and organize your community.
• Alumni — how to organize a sign-on letter, answer a fundraising request, or write a letter to a university president.
• Parents — write a letter about commencement, organize a dial day, or get help selecting a college for your student.
• Faculty and Staff — support for impacted faculty and staff, and guidance on how to discuss what constitutes antisemitism and anti-Zionism, and how to provide help to students and colleagues.
• Glossary of Commonly Used Antisemitic Phrases Heard at Protests.
• Campus Antisemitism Report Card — see the grade a college earned in this first-ever report card.
• Report an Antisemitic Incident.
• Are you a student or know one who needs legal help? Contact our Campus Antisemitism Legal Line (CALL), run by ADL, Hillel, the Brandeis Center, and Gibson Dunn. Hundreds of incidents have been reported. You are not alone!

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