Can the U.S. government officially protect Jewish students?

The nonsense about religion and ethnicity wastes time; Judaism is a religion. One can become a Jew (gaining ethnicity by changing religion?) and stop being a Jew when one goes to another religion (losing your ethnicity when you change religions?). Check out the case of Brother Daniel.

The nonsense about religion and ethnicity wastes time; Judaism is a religion. One can become a Jew (gaining ethnicity by changing religion?) and stop being a Jew when one goes to another religion (losing your ethnicity when you change religions?). Check out the case of Brother Daniel.

"The article states it clearly. The problem is some students express anti-Israel opinions. So what solution would these Jewish groups find acceptable?" The article states it even MORE clearly, that some students express ANTI-SEMITIC opinions. Are you trying to portray yourself as something you're not in order to lend a false sense of credibility to your arguments? You leave out the most important point in the article in order to raise an argument. Not a very "gentlemanly" way of conducting yourself, is it?

If what you are saying, and how you are presenting the situation, is correct than they shouldn't be treated any different. However, you keep referring to Serbian Orthodox, which is religious not Ethnic so I'm not sure if the situations are identical. Also, as a religious side note, for Jewish Jews Eretz Israel and Jerusalem specifically is the ONLY PLACE IN THE WORLD they can practice their religion in full. I doubt the Serbian Orthodox are in the same position with Kosovo. In addition, the Serbs have Serbia. We (the nation of Israel) only holds part of the land of Israel. Therefore, your Serbian example would better be applied to us re-conquering Judea and Samaria than the piece of our land we now control. While Judea and Samaria (Hebron, Bethlehem in particular) hold extremely high importance in our national heritage (I.e. The tombs of our patriarchs) they are not 100% essential, like Jerusalem. This would also seem to be the case with Kosovo.

If what you are saying, and how you are presenting the situation, is correct than they shouldn't be treated any different. However, you keep referring to Serbian Orthodox, which is religious not Ethnic so I'm not sure if the situations are identical. Also, as a religious side note, for Jewish Jews Eretz Israel and Jerusalem specifically is the ONLY PLACE IN THE WORLD they can practice their religion in full. I doubt the Serbian Orthodox are in the same position with Kosovo. In addition, the Serbs have Serbia. We (the nation of Israel) only holds part of the land of Israel. Therefore, your Serbian example would better be applied to us re-conquering Judea and Samaria than the piece of our land we now control. While Judea and Samaria (Hebron, Bethlehem in prticular) hold extremely high importance in our national heritage (I.e. The tombs of our patriarches) they are not 100% essential, like Jerusalem. This would also seem to be the case with Kosovo.

Israeli Arabs want to protect their Arabic language and Islamic culture. They are not being segregated. Some Israeli schools are mixed. The separate schools systems goes back to British and Ottoman times and was not invented by Israel post-1948. In the UK there are faith schools for Anglicans, Romans and Jews because parents want this, not because H M Govt imposes it.

As I understand it, the problem is not with Jews - it is with Jews supporting Israel. If a group decides to make a political statement, why should anyone be detained from disagreeing with them? Has there been a problem with Jews who don't espouse the cause of Israel? If not, the issue is not about Jews but about zionists (not the same).

The problem here, I believe, is that officials are trying to parse the nature of Jewishness. At issue here is not whether or not Jewishness is an ethnic category - that is, if Jews are ethnically Jewish. Rather, the issue is whether they were attacked as such, as an ethnic group. Racial hatred does not depend upon the existence of races. Attackers who target Jews as members of an ethnic group must be treated as such. This can be done without making ontological claims about the existence of ethnic groups or the ethnic Jewishness of the victims.

Kosovo is Serbia's ethnic historic homeland and has extreme religious significance to Serbs. Whether a group lost its territory through war or any other reason, the fact remains that when they lost it and someone else moved in ( as with Kosovo and Palestlne), it eventually belongs to those who moved in. Why should Jews be treated differently from Serbian Orthodox?

I think that all groups should be treated the same in the same situation. I do not know enough about Serbian history to answer your question. However, as a general point, if a group of people has something that was rightfully theirs taken from them during war, I do not find it morally repugnant to use war to take it back. This is how all borders the world over have been decided. I do pray for the day when "men no longer learn war," but the day has not yet come.

I doubt you meant it that way, but people on both sides are intellectually dishonest in arguments about the states of Israel. For instance, when the world rejects Serbia's argument that they have the right to take back Kosovo and expel the current inhabitants, is it anti-Serbian Orthodox? Or are Jews entitled to better treatment than any other group?

UC Irvine is a blight on the UC system. Who would want to send their children to study there? Might as well send them to Gaza to study. The Regents of the UC system should get their campuses in order.

Yes, free speech is guaranteed. Do you know what is not considered free speech? Slander and Libel. When you use a false reality to criticize a certain group of people, that drifts from free speech to hate speech. Just think, why are people more likley to be intellectually dishonest when it comes to arguements about the State of Israel and the People Israel?

the hosts of the evil and the wicked are all around yisrael to destroy it but yisrael's got the rock of salvation,the strongest of yisrael,adonai tzvaot,the righteous messiah,the saint of yisrael,hashem's servant to destroy all the accusers,the adversaries and the enemies because the torah comes from yisrael and the word of adonai from tzion.

Jews in the USA did always consider themselves American, not Jewish. All other American are Italo-American, Polish-American, Afro-American, etc etc.not the Jews and now they ask to be protected but by whom? They are the only American! The thinking has to change completely and see what the USA are to them: a country where they live and are (maybe) tolareted and with Obama even this is questionable. Wake up to the reality.

This article is pathetic!

there are two sides to the coin. There is the Jewish people "Bnei Israel" and Jewish believers which can be "Bnei Israel? or "Bnei Garim (I.e. Children of converts)" One can be both, one or neither. Hence, there are Jewish Jews and Jewish Christians, Ethiopian Jews and Arab Christians. Also, there is inter marriage which adds diversity to our people over time. This is also why Jews can look so different, we have been in the Diaspora a LONG time... However, our laws do not let us distinguish between natives and converts, and so we are one people. Research the Lamba tribe in Africa. They look completley African but their genes point to obvious Jewish origin. When you can tell Jewish origin through DNA testing, you can draw the conclusion that we are clearly a distinct people (not race). We are an ethnicity AND religion (to my knowledge the only in the world), the reason we are so unique is because we have no reason to prothletyze.

I never stated we were a race, but a separate ethnic group, a nation. I agree that there is no "Jewish race" in the same way as I agree there is no "Arab race." What I was stating was that a Jew living in Russia isn't of Slavic origin, but of Judean origin.

#22 I never stated we were a race, but a separate ethnic group, a nation. I agree that there is no "Jewish race" in the same way as I agree there is no "Arab race." What I was stating was that a Jew living in Russia isn't of Slavic origin, but Judean origin. #24 there are two sides to the coin. There is the Jewish people "Bnei Israel" and Jewish believers which can be "Bnei Israel? or "Bnei Garim (I.e. Children of converts)" One can be both, one or neither. Hence, there are Jewish Jews and Jewish Christians, Ethiopian Jews and Arab Christians. Also, there is inter marriage which adds diversity to our people over time. This is also why Jews can look so different, we have been in the Diaspora a LONG time... However, our laws do not let us distinguish between natives and converts, and so we are one people. Research the Lamba tribe in Africa. They look completley African but their genes point to obvious Jewish origin. When you can tell Jewish origin through DNA testing, you can draw the conclusion that we are clearly a distinct people (not race). We are an ethnicity AND religion (to my knowledge the only in the world), the reason we are so unique is because we have no reason to prothletyze.

In a situation of discrimination or bigotry, it is the recipients, not the perpetrators who get to decide whether or not it is offensive and to whom. It seems that many Americans are obessesed with issues of race and skin color,and so think about "race" in that manner. Its simply not the appropriate way to understand the Jewish people.

Are Jews on US Campuses organizing as political entities or religious. I can't believe it's the latter, cause if that's the case then they're getting more of a free pass then Christians organizing on campus. It's clearly known that most university profs discriminate against Christianity. If it's political, then critical expression is clearly free speech. I think there needs to be a clear separation of what's religious Judaic expression, versus political racist zionism. This issue seems something that Zionist and other Jewish political organizations don't seem to get. Or they're all trying to hood wink the government. Shame, shame. This kind of stuff only deepens the rift that most Americans sense is happening between the US and Israel.

My question to you NOACH is what is the relationship between a European jew and an Ethiopean jew other than the religion of Judaism ? It is the same in Islam, the only relationship between an Indonesian Muslim and an Arab muslim is the religion of Islam , and the only relationship between a European Christian and an Arab christian is the religion of Christianity. So, it is clear that we cannot label religions as ethnnicity and vice versa.

I think most Americans know the difference between Zionism and Judaism. The issue really rest with those zionist organizations using the word anti-semitism against anyone who is critical of racist Israeli policies. I believe Jews on campus are feeling some heat because of their positions in supporting Israel, and not because of their religion. It's also an issue when many Jews act as "American Jews", instead of "Jewish Americans". We don't called people of Italian decent, American Italians. There called Italian Americans. Then there's Chinese Americans, Afro Americans, Native Americans. etc. The term American Jews, use to be analogous to American Catholics, or American Baptists. So back to my point. It's you zionist who are mucking up the definitions. Until this is clear, anti-semitism is watered down to mean political criticism of a racist group. Any attempt to suppress free speech on U.S. campuses will blow up in the faces of these Zionist groups.

If you are a Jew, you are Jewish. Your assessment indicates that you believe the Jewish race myth. Jews never were a distinct race. That was some garbage made up by some idiot scientist and later adopted by Hitler to help drum up hatred of Jews in Germany.

"At issue is the interpretation of the Education Department's responsibilities under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars federal funding of institutions that discriminate on the basis of race, color or national origin." Imagine Israel's schools trying to get funded under that formula! The root of racism in Israeli society, just as it has been in many societies, is separate schools. Israel can never be a fair society, without discrmination, until its schools are integrated.

Attacking someone for being of the Jewish faith is wrong, but protesting against the policies of Israel or any other foreign government is right guaranteed to all Americans under our constitution. The Israeli lobby is making a big mistake by trying to quell rightful opposition to Israel by decent Americans of conscience by attempting to equate it with anti-Semitism, and will quickly find that it will only bring Americans together to defend our freedoms along side Israel's detractors and further expose Israel's misdeeds to the masses.

The article states it clearly. The problem is some students express anti-Israel opinions. So what solution would these Jewish groups find acceptable? It is apparently a ban on any criticism of Israeli policies. They are not going to get what they want. US universities will uphold freedom of speech, even if Jewish groups don't like it.

Much of the recent alleged anti-semitism is actually criticism of Israeli excesses. The USA needs to exercise due caution in becoming engaged.

These students don't need protection; they need a swift kick in their rears. Their goal, as it has been for years, is to shut down any criticism of Israel on campus and in Middle East studies programs in particular. Brownshirts, pure and simple.

sorry the days of anti american behavior being protected because your jewish are over.hillel and other organizations have no place on our campuses nor do the treasonous aipac students.you bring it on yourselves....we have no sympathy for your tactics.its a new america right and left.....make aliya or learn to be good patriotic americans end of story,and please stop trying to blame muslim students who are as docile as kittens, it is us who are tired of your antics

Jews are a religion ,and an ethnic group. The roots of antisemitsm in Europe were both religious, and the fact that Jews were middle eastern in origan. Jews no matter their religion are held to be essentially middle eastern, not european, not Russain Politc aside, this goes back a long way. The Muslims were tortured, burned at the statke and expelled with the Jews in the Inquisition. I believe there more Muslim's then Jews expelled. They both were expelled because they were not of the EU. Both Jew and Arab are middle eastern, Arab/Muslims did not return to EU like Jews did. It would have real interesting of Arab/Muslims were a large number in Nazi Germany. The Germans would removed the Arabs from bot German and the ME, and just seized the oil rather then manipulate the Arab leadership to become allied with them so as to control the OIL.

Ironically, Dept. of Education WOULD be obligated to file suit on complaint of "antiZionist" harassment/discrimination against naturalized Israeli-American, a dual citizen or an Israeli visiting the US (national origin discrimination is covered by the '64 Act, just as for race, ethnicity). Harassment of Jews because of an "Israel" association would also be covered (perceived national origin discrimination is clearly covered). So anti-Zionism or anti-Israelism resulting in discrimination IS unlawful under the 1964 Act. But the correct addrress for anti-semitism masquerading as "anti-Zionism" would be better pursued under the 2009 Hate Crimes Prevention Act, as well as the ample state and federal 1st Amendment-related freedom of religion laws, and of course, the massive Equal Protection/Due Process protections of US Constitution and state laws. University of California eligibility for federal grants can be suspended by even allegations of discrimination, a very effective pressure point!

In order to demonstrate that harrassment of Jewish students on US campuses is racism and not religious discrimination (btw why is that any better than racism, neither one should be tolerated), you are going to have to demonstrate how Jewish Americans are genetically different from other Americans in such a way that it can clearly be established that Jewish Americans are not of the same ethnic origin as other white Americans. To give an example, to distinguish a white American from an African American, you look at a number of genetic features, skin pigmentation, skeletal features, unique genetic combinations. This way, even if all you have is a skeleton you can still determine ethnic origin. Now, which features of Jewish genetic composition distinguishes them from white Americans, white Europeans, or white Australians? And which features do Jewish people have which are unique to Jewish people only, so that those features can be taken as the indicators of a common and unique Jewish race?

if an old historic jewish bakery in france fears closure and is reported on this site , the americans are screaming anti semetism, talkbacks in its hundreds.. On this serious story, no one!! they are in denial

"We should project a positive image of Israel and Judaism, f.ex. through solid arguments and charity", says Student. But as people as diverse as Oren, Ayalon, Sharanski, Netanyahu, Pipes and others have experienced, haters of Jews and Israel are not interested in listening and debating, nor in reasoned argument. And why should we need to project a positive image of Israel and Judaism? No other nation or group is expected to so demonstrate that they're worthy of acceptance. Why are Arabs and Muslims, in contrast, simply given a pass?

The source of the problem at UC Irvine is the mosque in Santa Ana, Ca which is where Irv Rubin, deceased, of the Jewish Defense LEague said the problems were coming from. IC Irvine is a short drive away. It's also where the American Al Kaisa from Riverside received his conversion. Doubtful that the government will cooperate as that mosque is under surveylance and to clean it up would eliminate a source of intelligence.

Just like not all Arabs are Muslim, not all Jews are Jewish. Judaism is just the name of the religion of the Jews. The misconception that Jews are just members of a religious minority is the result of Reform Jews trying to escape anti-Semitism! We are Bnei Israel, Children of Israel. We are Am Israel, the Nation of Israel. We are not Germans who practice Judaism or Russians who practice Judaism. we are Jews that practice Judaism.

By denying the right for Jews to have a homeland, in which to be safe to practice and be Jewish, then you are denying them the safety that comes with the homeland. If we didn't have Israel, we'd be suffering in Europe or the Middle East again! Anti-Semitism is everywhere. If you do not agree with the policies of Israel, then you are Anti-Israel, not necessarily anti-Zionist. Zionism is the belief that Israel is our homeland, our safe haven. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. even spoke out against anti-Zionism, and I will not let anyone speak out against that great man! Anti-Zionism is a wolf in sheeps clothing. Futhermore, I am a Jewish student at a university in the U.S. I attend a school with a big Saudi student population. We have never once had a problem with the Muslim community, just drunk frat-boys knocking down out Sukkah. In fact that Saudi students were quite interested in Judaism during a culture fair we had. I wish I could say for other campuses.

Racism is unacceptable in today's America. Its simply politically incorrect. Since one hates Jews and does not want to be a racist one just changes the definition: its now religious opinion. This way one can openly call to harass and discriminate against "Jews" (sometimes, as in Irvine, even crossing over to genocidal antisemitism) without tarnishing one's liberal credentials or be castigated. Its just religious opinion and after all Saint Justin, Muhammad and Martin Luther hated Jews and called for their death.. right.. So why not? Its fashionable after all.. A lot of Jewish kids too sing the chorus.. right? And since the Muslim agitators are, in this wonderland, viewed as non-Caucasian--- and Jews (including descendants of survivors of the ghettos and death camps as well as Sefardim and Mizrahim) are considered Caucasian--- any insult is considered hate crime and grounds for removal from the campus.. So American campus life in 2010. Parallels to 1920s Germany are just coincidental.

When will israeli posters realize that being anti-zionist is not the same as or even related to being anti-semitic. the article makes this distinction. but i suspect that a majority of these incidents are based on political disagreements and not anti-semitic prejudice. of course, when it really is bigotry against particular students solely because of their religion or ethnicity and not anger about political disagreements, that's a totally different story and harrasment and assault for any reason should not be tolerated. but israel would do better to worry more about the situation of palestinian students on it's campuses and less about the situation of campuses in other countries.

There would be no need for outside groups to send letters or petitions. There would be an immediate reaction by the Justice Department, the news media will exhibit its righteous indignation, and the great and openly Antisemitic Jackson and Sharptons of the US would feign symbolic angst at the level of wanton hatred being perpetrated. But alas, the attacks are on but mere Jews. They should shut up as their ancestors had done and accept their fate. At east that is what ObamaNation with the House Jew Emmanuel demand they do.

When will American posters stop criticizing Britain and France and start admitting there are real problems nearer to home. It's not only on European campuses that Jewish students are being intimidated.

This is absolutely no surprise to me. There seems to be a very strong anti-Semitic sentiment within the Obama administration. Nothing seems to indicate otherwise. The leftists here in the states are rabidly anti-Zionist, and it often seems as though this is being used as a cover for outright hatred of the Jewish people. I predict that if something happens to the Jews in Israel, we Jews in the U.S. will not last much longer either.

Oil rich counntries pouring money into our education system.Lack of respect alreasy shown. College opened for classes on Jewish holy day. When are we going to wake up and realize Israel is a nother code word for Jew

At top universities in the US, Jewish students constitute often constitute 20% or more of the student body. The article makes it look like we are constantly being "harassed", or as if this were Berlin in the 1930s. I think that many of the claims in this piece are vastly exaggerated. If you are not participating in debates on Israel, chances that you are exposed to antisemitism are minimal. Sure anti-Israel groups have become bolder (and so have pro-Zionist groups), but I guess that's a key element of university culture: debate and discussion. If we want to reduce the impact of anti-Israel groups, we need to portray a positive image of Israel. We shouldn't lower ourselves to the ways of people like Finkelstein; by rallying so militantly against them, we are increasingly looking sectarian. We should project a positive image of Israel and Judaism, f.ex. through solid arguments and charity