Mission accomplished for our Jewish students

JEFF KATZ

Despite a code of conduct being agreed to by the relevant parties following extensive discussions with the university authorities, things deteriorated. Palestinian Solidarity Committee supporters resorted to acts of vandalism, disruption and intimidation against SAUJS, no doubt annoyed by the interest shown by members of the broader Wits community in what “the opposition” had to say.

Such disdain for basic principles of academic freedom has epitomised IAW campaigns on university campuses throughout the world. SAUJS has since laid a formal complaint against the PSC, and it is envisaged that decisive action will be taken by the university against those who violate its rules and core values.

It is noteworthy that not once did SAUJS students respond in kind to this blatant provocation, even when anti-Israel rhetoric spilled over into anti-Semitic statements and demonstrations.

The incidents of anti-Semitism that took place, yet again show the fallacy that IAW’s goal is solely to promote Palestinian rights.

In reality, it seeks to defame and demonise the Jewish state in the most extreme terms possible, and in doing so creates an environment in which anti-Semitic acts are not only likely, but almost inevitable.   

IAW-related activities, particularly in the media sphere, also dominated the work of the Board’s staff last week. Virtually every article promoting the BDS narrative that appeared in the mainstream media was answered by an opinion piece from one or other member of the Board’s professional team.

It is important to note that while regularly publishing material provided by anti-Israel activists, editors of the various newspapers almost always allow a response from our side to appear.

We were further able to arrange extensive publicity, both in the print and broadcast media for Craig Dershowitz of Artists 4 Israel, whose message of how arts and culture can bring about social change, peace and understanding between different communities, provided a powerful counter-balance to the negative, hate-filled messaging promoted by IAW proponents. 

Exams and Yomtov
The Board’s national office has so far been successful in resolving certain cases of exams set on Shavuot that have been brought to its attention. As I have frequently stressed in previous columns, it is critical that students affected by scheduling clashes inform us as soon as possible, so as to allow us sufficient time to come to an acceptable alternative arrangement with the institution concerned.

In particular, we ask that Unisa students who might be in this position, to check their timetables and contact us immediately should there be any problems. All communications should be sent to sajbd@sajbd.org and marked for the attention of Wendy Kahn.     

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