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.