Civil Rights Commission Holds Hearings On Campus Anti-Semitism

On November 18, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights heard from a panel of experts regarding anti-Semitic incidents on college campuses. (Release on scheduled hearings.) Yesterday's Jewish Advocate reports on the testimony. Gary Tobin, president of the Institute for Jewish & Community Research, spoke of "anti-Israelism" on college campuses, including professor intimidation of pro-Israel students, anti-Jewish statements in school newspapers, and harassment. Susan B. Tuchman, director of the Center for Law and Justice of the Zionist Organization of America also testified. She said campus incidents have included signs depicting the Star of David dripping with blood, pictures equating swastikas with the Star of David, and signs saying that Israelis love to kill innocent children. "When Israel is singled out for criticism and there is no semblance of balance, that is evidence of anti-Semitism, not legitimate criticism of Israel," she said. Kenneth L. Marcus, staff director of the USCCR, said that a major concern of the Commission is how to address anti-Semitic incidents without violating First Amendment rights.