Re: Hillel call to action

With much of the world in turmoil and Israel and Jews under attack on many fronts, there are many important  issues for Jewish students to become involved in. Foremost, is the fight against the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement which is widespread on many campuses  and actively promoted by the “Students for Justice in Palestine,” a well-funded  and active presence on many campuses.

Hillel on the Brown campus officially represents Jewish students on campus. There has been dissension in recent years within the national organization with some Hillel chapters separating ideologically from the traditional hallmark guidelines of support for the State of Israel and the fight against anti-Semitism.

Recently, I observed the following on the Brown campus:

Walking past the Hillel building, I saw a sign saying “Black Lives Matter” – the ONLY sign in the windows of the entire building.  

The  2015 Faculty Exhibition at the David Winton Bell Gallery is showcasing 20 faculty members. Tony Cokes, professor of Modern Media and Culture, exhibits a graphic TV presentation of text  from the anti-Semitic rant of Danish film director Lars Von Trier.  No explanation of any kind is given.  The exhibit goes until Dec. 21.         

All of us have the freedom to voice opinions. As Jews we have a responsibility to challenge and protest perpetuating and giving credibility to hate speech under the guise of art.  After self protection comes caring for others. With so few standing up for Israel and Jews in this contemporary world, every Jewish student and adult must say Am Yisroel Chai.

Hillel wrote, “If I am not for myself, who  will be for me?  But if I am only for myself, who am I? If not now, when?”   

The educators at Hillel must do better!

Judi Dill

Providence