Israeli Holocaust Scholar Omer Bartov on Campus Protests, Weaponized Antisemitism, Silencing Dissent

Summary

In this Democracy Now segment, Amy Goodman discusses the crackdown on student-led Gaza solidarity protests on US campuses and the accusations of anti-Semitism against these peaceful pro-Palestinian demonstrations. She is joined by Professor Omar Bartov, an Israeli-American scholar and Holocaust and genocide studies expert at Brown University. Bartov shares his experience visiting the student encampment at the University of Pennsylvania, where he observed no signs of anti-Semitism but rather a diverse group of students engaging in peaceful discussion. He criticizes the weaponization of the term 'anti-Semitism' to silence criticism of Israel's policies, particularly its occupation of Gaza. Bartov emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between political opposition and prejudice, arguing that opposing occupation and oppression is not inherently anti-Semitic. He also highlights the role of American taxpayers in funding arms sent to Israel and the responsibility of American citizens to protest policies they disagree with.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ Amy Goodman is discussing the crackdown on student-led Gaza solidarity encampments in US campuses and the accusations of anti-Semitism against these peaceful protests.
• 🏛️ Omar Bartov, a professor at Brown University, has been studying Holocaust and genocide, and has recently visited a student Gaza solidarity encampment at the University of Pennsylvania.
• 📰 Bartov's recent piece addresses the weaponization of language and misuses of Holocaust memory and the 'Never Again' syndrome.
• 🤝 Bartov and Israeli historian RZ Seagull engaged in a warm and open conversation at the encampment about the perils of anti-Semitism and its current weaponization.
• 🚫 Authorities at the University of Pennsylvania decided to shut down the encampment, and similar actions have been taken at Brown University.
• 💭 Bartov argues that anti-Semitism is a serious issue that should not be condoned, but it has also become a tool to silence speech about Israel.
• 🇮🇱 The Israeli government under Benjamin Netanyahu has pushed the narrative that criticism of Israeli policies, including the occupation of Gaza, is anti-Semitic.
• 🏳️‍🌈 Jewish students involved in the encampments feel threatened by the sight of Palestinian flags and calls for intifada, which means 'uprising' in Arabic.
• 🤔 Bartov distinguishes between opposing occupation and oppression, which he says is not anti-Semitic, and the conflation of anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism.
• 🕊️ Many ultra-Orthodox Jews, including some in the Israeli government, are anti-Zionist but not anti-Semitic, showing that political stances do not equate to prejudice.
• 🌎 Bartov highlights the difference between the situation in Israel and the US, where US students are protesting in favor of those being oppressed, which he sees as a duty for American citizens given their tax dollars fund arms sent to Israel.

Q & A

What is the main topic of discussion in the provided transcript?

The main topic of discussion is the crackdown on student-led Gaza solidarity encampments across US campuses and the accusations of anti-Semitism against peaceful Pro-Palestinian protests.

Who is Omar Bartov and what is his area of expertise?

Omar Bartov is a professor of Holocaust and genocide studies at Brown University. He is an Israeli American scholar and one of the world's leading specialists on the subject of genocide, as described by the US Holocaust Memorial Museum.

What was the atmosphere like at the student Gaza solidarity encampment at the University of Pennsylvania?

The atmosphere at the encampment was peaceful, with Jewish, Arab, and other students engaging in warm and open conversations about the perils of anti-Semitism and its current weaponization.

Why did the University of Pennsylvania authorities decide to shut down the encampment?

The specific reasons are not detailed in the transcript, but it is implied that there may be concerns related to accusations of anti-Semitism and the potential for controversy.

What is the connection between anti-Semitism and criticism of Israeli policies according to Omar Bartov?

Omar Bartov suggests that anti-Semitism is being used as a tool to silence speech about Israel, with any criticism of Israeli policies, including occupation policies, being labeled as anti-Semitic.

How does Bartov differentiate between politics and prejudice?

Bartov differentiates by stating that opposing occupation and oppression is not anti-Semitism, and that being anti-Zionist does not equate to being anti-Semitic. He emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between political stances and prejudice.

What was the incident involving Hashem Ortani, a Brown University student?

Hashem Ortani, a Palestinian American student, was shot along with his two best friends by a white man while visiting his grandmother in Burlington, Vermont. The incident left Hashem paralyzed.

What is the 'skunk' and how has it been used in protests?

The 'skunk' refers to a type of water with a strong odor used to disperse protests. It has been used by the Israeli military and was reportedly used against pro-Palestinian activists at Columbia University, one of whom was a former IDF soldier.

What does Bartov say about the reaction of university heads in Israel to the situation in Gaza?

Bartov mentions that university heads in Israel have issued warnings about anti-Semitism on American campuses, but have also been involved in shutting down criticism within Israel itself.

What was the case of Nadera Shalhoub-Kevorkian, a Palestinian professor at Hebrew University?

Nadera Shalhoub-Kevorkian was attacked by her university and later arrested and mistreated by the police after expressing empathy with what was happening in Gaza.

Why does Bartov believe American university students have a duty to protest against certain policies?

Bartov believes that American university students have a duty to protest because they are citizens and taxpayers, and their tax money is funding the arms being shipped to Israel, which are used to destroy Gaza.

What does Bartov suggest about the role of students in American universities?

Bartov suggests that students in American universities are demonstrating in favor of those who are oppressed and being killed, which he sees as a positive sign of their engagement and willingness to stand up for human rights.

Outlines

00:00

🗣️ Accusations of Anti-Semitism Against Pro-Palestinian Protests

In this segment, Amy Goodman interviews Professor Omar Bartov about the crackdown on student-led Gaza solidarity encampments across US campuses and the accusations from the Biden Administration and Congress members that these peaceful protests are anti-Semitic. Bartov, a Holocaust and genocide studies professor at Brown University, discusses his visit to the University of Pennsylvania's encampment and the peaceful atmosphere he observed there, which included Jewish and Arab students. He criticizes the weaponization of the term anti-Semitism to silence criticism of Israel's policies, particularly its occupation of Gaza. Bartov emphasizes that anti-Semitism is a serious issue that should not be tolerated, but it should not be used to stifle legitimate debate and protest.

05:01

🚩 The Weaponization of Anti-Semitism and Threats to Free Speech

Professor Omar Bartov continues the discussion on the accusations of anti-Semitism, highlighting the experiences of Jewish students who feel threatened by the sight of Palestinian flags and calls for intifada, which means 'uprising'. He clarifies that opposing occupation and oppression is not anti-Semitic and distinguishes between political disagreements and prejudice. Bartov also addresses the case of Hashem Ortani, a Palestinian American student who was shot and paralyzed, and the use of 'skunk water' by Israeli forces against protesters. He contrasts the situation in the United States, where students are exercising their rights to protest against Israeli policies, with that in Israel, where university leaders and students often support oppressive policies. Bartov calls for a distinction between politics and prejudice to avoid enforcing silence over the Israeli government's actions.

10:02

🌍 Solidarity with Gaza and the Role of American Universities

In the final paragraph, Professor Bartov contrasts the support for oppressed people demonstrated by American university students with the situation in Israeli universities, where students and leaders often back government policies. He commends American students for standing up for those being killed in Gaza and emphasizes their right and duty as American citizens to protest against policies funded by their tax dollars. Bartov's discussion underscores the importance of free speech and the role of education in fostering critical thinking and social responsibility.

Keywords

💡Democracy Now

Democracy Now is a daily independent news program hosted by Amy Goodman, which covers global news with a focus on underreported stories. In the context of the video, it is the platform where the discussion on student-led Gaza solidarity and the accusations of anti-Semitism is taking place.

💡Gaza Solidarity

Gaza Solidarity refers to the support and actions taken by individuals and groups in favor of the Palestinian people in Gaza. In the video, it is mentioned in relation to student-led encampments across US campuses, which are the focus of the discussion.

💡Anti-Semitism

Anti-Semitism is the discrimination against, prejudice, or hostility toward Jewish people. In the video, accusations of anti-Semitism are being discussed in the context of peaceful student-led protests that are supportive of Palestinians, with some authorities claiming these protests are anti-Semitic.

💡Weaponizing Language

Weaponizing language refers to the strategic use of words or phrases to manipulate public opinion or silence opposition. The video discusses how accusations of anti-Semitism are being used as a tool to suppress criticism of Israeli policies, particularly regarding the occupation of Gaza.

💡Holocaust and Genocide Studies

Holocaust and Genocide Studies is an academic field that examines the historical, social, and cultural contexts of mass killings and atrocities, such as the Holocaust. Omar Bartov, a professor in this field, is featured in the video discussing the misuse of Holocaust memory in the current political discourse.

💡Never Again Syndrome

Never Again Syndrome refers to the sentiment that the atrocities of the Holocaust should not be repeated, often invoked in discussions about genocide and mass violence. The video script mentions the misuse of this sentiment in the context of accusing critics of Israeli policies of being anti-Semitic.

💡Israeli Occupation

Israeli Occupation refers to the control of Palestinian territories by Israel, which began in 1967. The video discusses how criticism of this occupation is being labeled as anti-Semitic, despite the distinction between opposing a policy and holding prejudice against a people.

💡Jewish Voice for Peace

Jewish Voice for Peace is an organization that opposes Israeli occupation and promotes a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The group is mentioned in the video as one of the Jewish groups involved in the student-led Gaza solidarity encampments.

💡Intifada

Intifada, meaning 'shaking off' in Arabic, refers to Palestinian uprisings against Israeli occupation. In the video, it is mentioned in the context of Jewish students feeling threatened by the call for intifada, despite its non-violent connotations of resistance against oppression.

💡Ultra Orthodox Jews

Ultra Orthodox Jews are those who adhere to a strict interpretation of Jewish law and tradition. The video mentions that some of these individuals, including some in the Israeli government, are anti-Zionist but not anti-Semitic, highlighting the distinction between religious and political beliefs.

💡Divest

Divest refers to the act of withdrawing investment or support from a particular entity, often as a form of protest. In the video, the call for divestment is associated with Brown University students' demand to stop investing in companies that support Israeli policies towards Gaza.

Highlights

Biden Administration and members of Congress accused peaceful student-led pro-Palestinian protests as anti-Semitic

Omar Bartov, a leading scholar on genocide, discusses the weaponization of language and misuse of Holocaust memory

Bartov visited the student Gaza solidarity encampment at University of Pennsylvania, noting no signs of anti-Semitism

Authorities at UPenn decided to shut down the encampment, sparking debate at Brown University

Anti-Semitism is a dangerous sentiment, but has also become a tool to silence speech about Israel

Many Jewish students feel threatened by Palestinian flags and calls for intifada (uprising against occupation), even though opposing occupation is not inherently anti-Semitic

Ultra Orthodox Jews, including some in the Israeli government, are anti-Zionist but not anti-Semitic

Failing to distinguish between politics and prejudice silences criticism of Israeli government policies

Brown University students called for divestment in response to the Gaza crisis

Palestinian American student Hashem Ortani was paralyzed after being shot by a white man in Vermont

Pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia were hit with skunk water, allegedly by a former Israeli soldier studying at the university

The Israeli government has used brutal tactics like water cannons and skunk water to suppress protests at home

Israeli university leaders have collaborated in silencing criticism, while their American counterparts have defended student protests

Palestinian professor Nadera Shalhoub-Kevorkian was mistreated by Israeli police after expressing empathy for Gaza

American students are right to protest U.S. taxpayer-funded arms shipments to Israel that are destroying Gaza

Students at U.S. universities should be proud to stand in solidarity with the oppressed in Gaza

Transcripts

this is democracy now I am Amy Goodman

as we continue to look at the Crackdown

on student-led Gaza solidarity

encampments across us campuses we look

now at how the Biden Administration and

several members of Congress have echoed

intensifying accusations that the

peaceful student-led Pro Palestinian

protests are anti-semitic we're joined

Now by Omar bartov he's professor of

Holocaust and genocide studies at Brown

University his recent piece is headlined

weaponizing language misuses of

Holocaust memory and the Never Again

syndrome the professor recently visited

the student Gaza solidarity encampment

at the University of Pennsylvania

sharing on social media a photograph

with the Israeli historian RZ seagull

and a message that said quote with RZ

seagull at the upen encampment on April

26 warm and open conversation about the

Perils of anti-Semitism and its current

weaponization unquote Omar bartop is

also author of numerous books including

genocide the Holocaust and Israel

Palestine first person history in times

of Crisis he's an Israeli American

Scholar who's been described by the US

Holocaust Memorial Museum as one of the

world's leading Specialists on the

subject of genocide he's joining us now

from his home in Cambridge Massachusetts

Professor bov welcome back to democracy

now if you can talk about what's

happening on these college campuses what

your visit to the pen encampment was

like as your own University Brown

University um students have set up an

encampment and their chant is from

Colombia to Brown we will not let Gaza

down and talk about what authorities are

charging um are the charges of

anti-Semitism although so many of those

involved in these encampments are Jewish

uh with groups like Jewish voice for

peace um good morning Amy thank you for

having me again um well look I mean my

my visit to upen I was there with the

rle we um first actually um gave a talk

both of us about anti-Semitism and it's

uh current weaponization and then we

visited the encampment it was a

beautiful afternoon there were

very nice good um students there we sat

and chatted with them we t about

anti-Semitism and about its current use

there was absolutely no um sound of any

no sign of any violence of any

anti-Semitism at all there were Jewish

students there there were Arab students

there there were all kinds of uh young

people there and the atmosphere was very

good the next day I heard that uh the

authorities of upup decided to uh shut

down the encampment a couple of days

earlier I was passing by the green at

Brown University and again there was an

encampment there uh students were

sitting there quietly singing playing

the guitar it was all very peaceful and

that same day I heard from a faculty

member who had visited that encampment

that he had received an email from the

the uh dean of the

faculty um warning

him that if he were to show up there

again measures would be taken and now

this issue is being debated at Brown I

believe today this afternoon there would

be a meeting with the faculty many of

whom of course like me very upset by

this kind of arbitrary action which was

taken without any consultation with

faculty um so that's the kind of context

um look I mean obviously anti-Semitism

as myself and many others have said is

is a vow sentiment it's an old sentiment

it has been used for Bloodshed for

violence and for genocide and no one

should condone it and obviously none of

us would ever condone it uh but it has

also become a tool uh to silent speech

about Israel uh and that too has quite a

history uh and the the current Israeli

government or rather the numerous

governments under Benjamin nany have

been pushing this agenda of arguing that

um any criticism of Israeli policies not

least of Israeli occupation policies

this receives of course events in Gaza

um is

anti-Semitic and I I've been listening

to some of the interviews with Jewish

students who feel uh threatened and

often it appears to me and of course we

don't have you know good research on

that at the moment but it appears to me

that many of them feel threatened

because they see a Palestinian flag

because they hear people uh calling for

intifada intifada means shaking off

there's a very similar word in Hebrew

for it l air it's what a dog does when

it shakes off water is to shake off the

occupation um and there are Jewish

students often who are influenced by the

um Israeli friends who feel that is

threatening but there's nothing

threatening about um opposing occupation

and oppression that is not anti-Semitism

you can agree with it or not even being

anti-zionist is not anti-semitic there

are hundreds of thousands if not more of

ultra Orthodox Jews including some were

in the Israeli government who are

anti-zionist um but they're not

anti-semitic they see themselves as the

epitome

of um of jewishness and Jewish tradition

so there's politics and there's

Prejudice and if we don't make a

distinction between the two then what we

are actually doing is enforcing a kind

of Silence over the policies that have

been conducted by the Israeli government

for a long time and that ultimately C

culminated now in the utter destruction

of

Goa um you know we were showing image of

the brown protest where you're a

professor and some of the signs read

Brown divest now another said no others

like Hashem of course referring to the

Brown University student Hashem ortani

the Palestinian American student who is

visiting his grandmother in Burlington

Vermont with his two best friends also

Palestinian American and they were shot

by a white man um from his porch Hashem

was the most wounded he is paralyzed um

and then you have at Colombia the

students who were skunked that kind of

chemical that is used where it's I think

it sent eight Colombia students they

were uh Pro Palestinian activists

protesting to the hospital uh and it

turned out that at least one of the

people who skunked them was a former IDF

Israeli military uh soldier who had was

studying at Columbia University

look first of all about Hasam I mean

this is just a a terrible tragedy he and

his two friends um this sort of combines

both the the the the the politics and

the the rhetoric of hate that you find

these days in Israel uh and of course

American discourse which have

unfortunately converged then that's

that's just horribly tragic um

the this case of of skunking you know

over the last few months there there

have been um many demonstrations in

Israel uh against um this government's

policy and the government has taken to

using water cannon often in a really

brutal manner that is firing it directly

at the people's faces which is legally

not allowed and using this kind of stink

King water skunk um in in central

streets in Tel Aviv and in Jerusalem

again to shut down any debate in isra

and it's very sad to see that being also

imported to American streets let me let

me say there's there's an

interesting um difference between um

what is happening um in Israel um

regarding on um Gaza what is happening

uh in the United States in Israel uh

heads of

universities uh have come out just

recently with a statement a warning

about anti-Semitism on American campuses

uh which to to my knowledge does not

exist in any significant form uh that is

as I said before not anti-Semitism but

protest against Israeli policies um

these same heads of universities in

Israel have been collaborating in

shutting down criticism in Israel itself

and there was a very tragic case with a

Palestinian professor of the Hebrew

University nadera shalhub Koran uh who

was first sort of uh attacked by the

university uh and later was arrested by

the police and mistreated really badly

uh kept um overnight uh in in a jail um

uh stripped humiliated uh this is a full

professor in her 60s and a well-known uh

scholar um because she had expressed

empathy with what was happening in Gaza

um and the the the main difference is

that not only did uh University leaders

not come out in support of their own

faculty member but there are many

students at the universities that are

actually supporting these kinds of

policies and I think we should be proud

that in American universities students

actually are demonstrating in favor of

those who are being oppressed and now

who are being killed and they're doing

it first of all because it's the right

thing to do they're doing it also

because they are American citizens it is

American uh taxpayers money that is

paying for the arms that the United

States is shipping in vast amounts to

Israel so as to destroy Gaza um and they

have every right and in fact they have a

duty to protest uh against these kind of

kinds of policies Omar bartov I want to

thank you so much for being with us

professor of Holocaust and genocide

studies at Brown University he's an

Israeli American Scholar described by

the US Holocaust Memorial Museum as one

of the world's leading Specialists on

the subject of genocide