Collective zeal, antisemitism unveil

In the wake of recent brush fire riots that have swept across campuses nationwide, there's an eerie feeling of déjà vu, reminiscent of the unsettling social experiment captured in the 1981 film, "The Wave." As I reflect on these tumultuous events, I can't help but draw parallels between the fervent collective zeal depicted in the film and the alarming rise of antisemitism on campuses today.

In "The Wave," a movie based on a true story back in 1967, a high school teacher conducts an experiment to demonstrate the allure of fascism and the dangers of unchecked group mentality. What begins as a harmless classroom exercise quickly spirals into a full-blown movement as students embrace the power of unity and conformity. The parallels to our current reality are unnervingly clear.

The recent wave of campus riots, often fueled by political tensions and social grievances, has revealed a disturbing undercurrent of collective zeal and mob mentality. What starts as legitimate activism for social justice can quickly devolve into chaos and violence when hijacked by extremist ideologies, unchecked emotions, rhyming empty chants, and backed by well-funded foreign interests with a clear agenda - to destabilize America.

The Israel-Hamas conflict ignited what seemed at first like organic student groups exercising their First Amendment rights and freedom of expression. Mostly centered around the idea that Jews are the oppressors and perpetrators of genocide against Palestinians, these protests have morphed into platforms for antisemitism. Jewish students find themselves targeted and marginalized, facing discrimination and hostility under the guise of political activism. From hateful graffiti scrawled across campus walls to violent confrontations at rallies and forced illegal tent encampments, the specter of antisemitism looms large, casting a shadow over the principles of tolerance and diversity that universities claim to uphold.

But why does antisemitism persist, seemingly immune to the progress of time and the lessons of history? The answer lies in the insidious nature of prejudice and the seductive allure of scapegoating. Throughout history, Jews have been scapegoated for society's ills, blamed for everything from economic downturns to global conspiracies. This age-old bigotry persists in modern times, fueled by ignorance, fear, and deep-seated hatred.

The rise of social media has only exacerbated the problem, providing a platform for hate speech and misinformation to spread like wildfire. Conspiracy theories about Jewish control of media, finance, and politics abound, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and fostering a climate of mistrust and hostility.

In the face of this rising tide of antisemitism, we must remain vigilant and resolute in our commitment to combating hatred and bigotry in all its forms. Universities, as centers of learning and enlightenment, must lead by example, fostering an environment of inclusivity, safe spaces for dialogue discourse, and respect for all members of the community. University administrators should not succumb to this mob pressure or turn a blind eye to these acts of violence. Instead, they must stand firm and fight for what is right. It is essential to convey the message that such violence will not be tolerated on campuses, rather than resorting to offering hybrid classes that exclude the targeted community.

Educational institutions bear the responsibility of educating students about the dangers of groupthink and the significance of critical thinking. Additionally, they must exercise caution in vetting the origins of grants and donations, especially those from non-US sources like Qatar and China. It is imperative to ensure that such external funding aligns with the institution's values and does not compromise academic integrity or independence.

Furthermore, campus administrators must take decisive action to address incidents of antisemitism and hate speech, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. This requires robust policies and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard the rights and safety of all students, regardless of their background or beliefs.

As individuals, let us remember the words of the Stanford teacher leading the 1967 experiment: "Silence in the face of bigotry is complicity." We must not allow hatred to go unchallenged. By speaking out, we can make a difference.”

The story of Columbia Professor Shai Davidai serves as a poignant example of the impact one person can have in combating antisemitism. His courage to stand up against hate inspires us all to do the same.

The recent brush fire riots on campuses nationwide serve as a sobering reminder of the fragility of democracy and the ever-present threat of extremism. But they also serve as a call to action, a rallying cry for all those who believe in all of the Western values America was based on.

Let us heed this call and stand together in solidarity against hatred and bigotry, ensuring that the lessons of history are not forgotten –When asked if what happened in Nazi Germany can happen here, unfortunately, my response will be, "It’s already begun." It's time to wake up.

(In the pic- you see me in better times, pre- illegal pro-Hamas encampment camps).