University Village at the University of California at Riverside

University Village at the University of California at Riverside

Jewish students and activists are claiming victory this morning after beating back yet another anti-Israel boycott resolution at the University of California at Riverside in the early hours of this morning.  Professionals at StandWithUs, a leader in the battle against Israel boycotts, divestments, and sanctions (BDS), report that the final vote on this divisive measure was six in favor, seven against, and one abstention.  A pro-peace resolution submitted by Jewish students was referred back to committee for further study and negotiation.

UC Riverside

UC Riverside

Although this was yet another loss for the BDS campaign, which has lost most of its battles, it is at best a mixed victory for Jewish pro-Israel students.  As with any BDS campaign, the Riverside skirmish provided another platform for anti-Israel activists to smear the Jewish state.  Moreover, it is hardly reassuring that nearly half of UC Riverside’s student senate actually voted in favor of the resolution.  Nevertheless, a win is a win, and Jewish Riverside students deserve to celebrate this morning.

The Louis D. Brandeis Center continues to monitor problematic campuses for anti-Semitic incidents and to build law student chapters to counteract anti-Semitism and anti-Israelism.  Please contact Brandeis Center lawyers with specific information about anti-Semitic incidents or requests for assistance in forming new chapters at (202) 756-1822.