National Students for Justice in Palestine is set to hold its annual conference at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities from Nov. 1-3, 2019, and some in the Jewish community are expressing deep concern.
National Students for Justice in Palestine accuses Israel of “colonialism.” Dr. Hatem Bazian has incorrectly accused Israel of genocide against Palestinians, among other verbal salvos; Bazian is a Berkley-based co-founder of National Students for Justice in Palestine.
“ADL is deeply concerned about the potential impact the National Students for Justice in Palestine conference might have on the campus climate at University of Minnesota, and most particularly, on the safety and security of all students on campus,” said David Goldenberg, Midwest Regional Director for ADL, which is historically known as the Anti-Defamation League, a storied anti-hate nonprofit.
“We are also concerned that this event, like those held at other universities in the U.S., could create a hostile environment for Jewish and pro-Israel students, leading them to feel isolated or under attack,” Goldenberg added. “ADL is committed to the principles of free speech and academic freedom, but also recognizes the need to ensure all communities are treated with respect, free from vilification and harassment.”
A petition unaffiliated with ADL seeks to have the Minnesota conference canceled. The right-leaning Jewish News Syndicate offers a thorough examination of the topic, with allegations of SJP connections to terror and antisemitism.
This will be the ninth annual conference for National Students for Justice in Palestine. Last year’s conference was at the University of California, Los Angeles.
