Brandeis Brief: March 2021 More good news in another Brandeis Center case: Students for Justice in Palestine backed down at Tufts University after the Brandeis Center exposed SJP’s harassment of LDB client Max Price based on Price’s Jewish identity and beliefs. SJP withdrew its impeachment complaint, and the hearing scheduled against Price was canceled. This Brief highlights the Tufts case, as well as developments at the University of Illinois, where LDB continues to press for stronger responses to anti-Semitism. On the positive side, more student groups are pushing back against Jew-hatred. The Brief also highlights Gen Z Jews, a group of high schoolers who are making their voices heard. Amidst this backdrop, the Brandeis Center welcomes three new college interns, who are helping LDB to pursue its mission. Read more about these issues as well as the controversy over who really wrote the IHRA definition, a win against anti-Semitism at the University of Toronto, and much more. As always, we thank you for your tax deductible donations and acknowledge that without you our work could not be done. Articles Following ‘Incessant Anti-Semitic Harassment,’ Tufts Student Calls On University to Intervene Jewish News Syndicate After the Brandeis Center demanded that Tufts University halt the unlawful impeachment trial that had been scheduled against LDB’s client, Max Price, Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) backed down. On Friday, SJP withdrew its complaint, and the hearing which had been scheduled for February 28 was canceled. SJP had been trying to remove Price, a Jewish student leader, from office for expressing his Jewish identity. In the face of public exposure, SJP retracted its effort to push Price out of the student judiciary (see our recent press release regarding the withdrawal). LDB had demonstrated that SJP’s efforts were part of a deliberate campaign to marginalize and exclude Jews who celebrate their ethnic identity and the deep ancestral connection of the Jewish people to the land of Israel. Now it is time for Tufts University to take concrete steps to address the anti-Semitism plaguing the campus. As Max Price stated, “Unless Tufts introduces sweeping reforms to combat anti-Semitism, this will happen to somebody else.” For details on the harassment and discrimination experienced by our client, Max Price, read the JNS story here. Read More Israeli Flag Egged at University of Illinois Jen Lask, WCIA There was a jarring incident that took place at the University of Illinois when an Israeli flag on campus was egged. In response to the latest incident, the University reaffirmed its promise to create an Advisory Council on Jewish and Campus Life, create consistent educational programming on anti-Semitism and review procedures and practices when discrimination and harassment take place on campus. The incident occurs on a campus where the Brandeis Center has been deeply engaged. Supported by the Brandeis Center, Hillel international, and JUF, Jewish students at the University filed a federal complaint about the increase of anti-Semitism on campus. In November, LDB and the University issued a joint statement along with the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago, Illini Hillel, Hillel International, Illini Chabad, and Arnold & Porter condemning anti-Semitism at UIUC and committing to take significant steps to address it. Read More Gen Z Jews Stand Against Anti-Semitism Samantha Crane, Brandeis Blog This month LDB founder and chairman Kenneth L. Marcus participated in an online seminar to discuss anti-Semitism with Gen Z Jews. Gen Z Jews is a group of high school students actively taking a stand against anti-Semitism by dedicating itself to providing a platform for Gen Z to become leaders in the fight against anti-Semitism. In the seminar, Marcus, along with Gen Z Jews founder, Zack Singerman, reviewed some of the most pressing issues and best practices when encountering anti-Semitism and what students can expect to face during their time on campus. Watch Here Read More Who Wrote the IHRA Working Definition of Anti-Semitism? Bayla Zohn, Brandeis Blog In response to numerous articles describing Kenneth S. Stern as the sole or principal author of the IHRA Working Definition of Anti-Semitism, three of the Definition’s co-authors penned an open letter refuting his authorship claims. Clearing up this issue is important, they argue, because Stern’s claimed authorship is frequently used by those who want to promote his controversial ideas regarding the meaning of the Definition. Stern has denied the claims of these three co-authors, who are all internationally recognized experts in the field. Read More University of Toronto Student Union Barred from Using Membership Fees to Promote Anti-Israel BDS Movement Bayla Zohn, Brandeis Blog The University of Toronto’s student- run judicial council informed the Toronto Graduate Students’ Union (UTGSU) that they must discontinue their use of mandatory membership fees in promoting the anti-Israel BDS movement. Additionally, the student run judicial council found that the UTGSU BDS Committee discriminated based on nationality in violation of the graduate student union’s Anti-Discrimination Policy. This is a major victory that will benefit Jewish Students at the University of Toronto and those throughout all of Canada. Read More Surveys Provide Insights About the Jewish Experience in U.S. and Britain Toby Irenstein, Brandeis Blog Recent surveys by the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism and the American Jewish Committee revealed significant insights about the Jewish experience and the public’s impression of anti-Semitism within Britain and America. The survey uncovered some concerning findings. For example, an increasing number of Jews in Britain and the U.S. have avoided displaying their Jewishness in public due to fear of anti-Semitism. Additionally, in Britain a disappointing percent of the public agree with one or more anti-Semitic statements. Read More Recent Ruling by the ECJ Forecasts Dim Future for Jewish Community in Europe Samantha Crane, Brandeis Blog Recently, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) issued a ruling that forecasts an unsettling future for Jews in Europe. The court upheld a Belgian law that prohibits the slaughter of animals before stunning them which is a direct threat to Jewish ritual slaughter (shechita). This ruling is based on a misunderstanding of the humane aspects of shechita, as addressed in the work of LDB President Alyza Lewin’s late grandfather, Dr. Isaac Lewin. Read More Building an Effective 9/11 Commission for the Capitol Riots by Kenneth L. Marcus Kenneth L. Marcus, The Hill In this article, Kenneth L. Marcus details the necessity of a proper reckoning following the Capitol riot in order to prevent future recurrences and enable national rapprochement. Marcus discusses the effective ways of accomplishing these objectives such as providing total transparency, establishing comprehensive solutions, gathering immense support and possessing undisputed legitimacy. Marcus also argues that the commission must explore the coordination of extremist right wing groups displaying notorious symbols of hate: Confederate flags, the white nationalist “Kekistan” flag and a “Camp Auschwitz” shirt.” Read More LDB Webinar on the IHRA Working Definition of Anti-Semitism Samantha Crane, Brandeis Blog This month the LDB Center hosted a webinar to discuss the impact, challenges and best practices in regards to the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism. LDB President, Alyza Lewin, moderated the event and was joined by Irwin Cotler, Professor Dina Porat, Jacob Dallal and LDB founder and Chairman Kenneth Marcus. Together, they provided important insights about the origins of the global rise in anti-Semitism that we have seen over the last two decades and why the IHRA definition is one of the best tools we have to combat it. Watch Here Read More Honoring the Righteous Acts and Legacy of the “Japanese Schindler” Toby Irenstein, Brandeis Blog In honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day 2020, the Brandeis Center (LDB), Combat Antisemitism and B’nai B’rith International hosted a moving event to honor the late Japanese diplomat, Chiune Sugihara, whose righteous acts helped save thousands of Jews during the Holocaust. Current and former diplomats and Sugihara survivors and their descendants, including LDB advisory Board member Nathan Lewin and his daughter, LDB President Alyza Lewin, gave powerful remarks about the life and legacy of the “Japanese Schindler.” Watch Here Read More Brandeis Center Welcomes New Interns Samantha Crane, Brandeis Blog The Brandeis Center would like to extend a warm welcome to three new interns: Samantha Crane, Toby Irenstein and Bayla Zohn. Each intern will bring their own unique experiences, making them excellent new additions. Read More Brandeis Brief: March 2021 More good news in another Brandeis Center case: Students for Justice in Palestine backed down at Tufts University after the Brandeis Center exposed SJP’s harassment of LDB client Max Price based on Price’s Jewish identity and beliefs. SJP withdrew its impeachment complaint, and the hearing scheduled against Price was canceled. This Brief highlights the Tufts case, as well as developments at the University of Illinois, where LDB continues to press for stronger responses to anti-Semitism. On the positive side, more student groups are pushing back against Jew-hatred. The Brief also highlights Gen Z Jews, a group of high schoolers who are making their voices heard. Amidst this backdrop, the Brandeis Center welcomes three new college interns, who are helping LDB to pursue its mission. Read more about these issues as well as the controversy over who really wrote the IHRA definition, a win against anti-Semitism at the University of Toronto, and much more. As always, we thank you for your tax deductible donations and acknowledge that without you our work could not be done. Articles Following ‘Incessant Anti-Semitic Harassment,’ Tufts Student Calls On University to Intervene Jewish News Syndicate After the Brandeis Center demanded that Tufts University halt the unlawful impeachment trial that had been scheduled against LDB’s client, Max Price, Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) backed down. On Friday, SJP withdrew its complaint, and the hearing which had been scheduled for February 28 was canceled. SJP had been trying to remove Price, a Jewish student leader, from office for expressing his Jewish identity. In the face of public exposure, SJP retracted its effort to push Price out of the student judiciary (see our recent press release regarding the withdrawal). LDB had demonstrated that SJP’s efforts were part of a deliberate campaign to marginalize and exclude Jews who celebrate their ethnic identity and the deep ancestral connection of the Jewish people to the land of Israel. Now it is time for Tufts University to take concrete steps to address the anti-Semitism plaguing the campus. As Max Price stated, “Unless Tufts introduces sweeping reforms to combat anti-Semitism, this will happen to somebody else.” For details on the harassment and discrimination experienced by our client, Max Price, read the JNS story here. Read More Israeli Flag Egged at University of Illinois Jen Lask, WCIA There was a jarring incident that took place at the University of Illinois when an Israeli flag on campus was egged. In response to the latest incident, the University reaffirmed its promise to create an Advisory Council on Jewish and Campus Life, create consistent educational programming on anti-Semitism and review procedures and practices when discrimination and harassment take place on campus. The incident occurs on a campus where the Brandeis Center has been deeply engaged. Supported by the Brandeis Center, Hillel international, and JUF, Jewish students at the University filed a federal complaint about the increase of anti-Semitism on campus. In November, LDB and the University issued a joint statement along with the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago, Illini Hillel, Hillel International, Illini Chabad, and Arnold & Porter condemning anti-Semitism at UIUC and committing to take significant steps to address it. Read More Gen Z Jews Stand Against Anti-Semitism Samantha Crane, Brandeis Blog This month LDB founder and chairman Kenneth L. Marcus participated in an online seminar to discuss anti-Semitism with Gen Z Jews. Gen Z Jews is a group of high school students actively taking a stand against anti-Semitism by dedicating itself to providing a platform for Gen Z to become leaders in the fight against anti-Semitism. In the seminar, Marcus, along with Gen Z Jews founder, Zack Singerman, reviewed some of the most pressing issues and best practices when encountering anti-Semitism and what students can expect to face during their time on campus. Watch Here Read More Who Wrote the IHRA Working Definition of Anti-Semitism? Bayla Zohn, Brandeis Blog In response to numerous articles describing Kenneth S. Stern as the sole or principal author of the IHRA Working Definition of Anti-Semitism, three of the Definition’s co-authors penned an open letter refuting his authorship claims. Clearing up this issue is important, they argue, because Stern’s claimed authorship is frequently used by those who want to promote his controversial ideas regarding the meaning of the Definition. Stern has denied the claims of these three co-authors, who are all internationally recognized experts in the field. Read More University of Toronto Student Union Barred from Using Membership Fees to Promote Anti-Israel BDS Movement Bayla Zohn, Brandeis Blog The University of Toronto’s student- run judicial council informed the Toronto Graduate Students’ Union (UTGSU) that they must discontinue their use of mandatory membership fees in promoting the anti-Israel BDS movement. Additionally, the student run judicial council found that the UTGSU BDS Committee discriminated based on nationality in violation of the graduate student union’s Anti-Discrimination Policy. This is a major victory that will benefit Jewish Students at the University of Toronto and those throughout all of Canada. Read More Surveys Provide Insights About the Jewish Experience in U.S. and Britain Toby Irenstein, Brandeis Blog Recent surveys by the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism and the American Jewish Committee revealed significant insights about the Jewish experience and the public’s impression of anti-Semitism within Britain and America. The survey uncovered some concerning findings. For example, an increasing number of Jews in Britain and the U.S. have avoided displaying their Jewishness in public due to fear of anti-Semitism. Additionally, in Britain a disappointing percent of the public agree with one or more anti-Semitic statements. Read More Recent Ruling by the ECJ Forecasts Dim Future for Jewish Community in Europe Samantha Crane, Brandeis Blog Recently, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) issued a ruling that forecasts an unsettling future for Jews in Europe. The court upheld a Belgian law that prohibits the slaughter of animals before stunning them which is a direct threat to Jewish ritual slaughter (shechita). This ruling is based on a misunderstanding of the humane aspects of shechita, as addressed in the work of LDB President Alyza Lewin’s late grandfather, Dr. Isaac Lewin. Read More Building an Effective 9/11 Commission for the Capitol Riots by Kenneth L. Marcus Kenneth L. Marcus, The Hill In this article, Kenneth L. Marcus details the necessity of a proper reckoning following the Capitol riot in order to prevent future recurrences and enable national rapprochement. Marcus discusses the effective ways of accomplishing these objectives such as providing total transparency, establishing comprehensive solutions, gathering immense support and possessing undisputed legitimacy. Marcus also argues that the commission must explore the coordination of extremist right wing groups displaying notorious symbols of hate: Confederate flags, the white nationalist “Kekistan” flag and a “Camp Auschwitz” shirt.” Read More LDB Webinar on the IHRA Working Definition of Anti-Semitism Samantha Crane, Brandeis Blog This month the LDB Center hosted a webinar to discuss the impact, challenges and best practices in regards to the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism. LDB President, Alyza Lewin, moderated the event and was joined by Irwin Cotler, Professor Dina Porat, Jacob Dallal and LDB founder and Chairman Kenneth Marcus. Together, they provided important insights about the origins of the global rise in anti-Semitism that we have seen over the last two decades and why the IHRA definition is one of the best tools we have to combat it. Watch Here Read More Honoring the Righteous Acts and Legacy of the “Japanese Schindler” Toby Irenstein, Brandeis Blog In honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day 2020, the Brandeis Center (LDB), Combat Antisemitism and B’nai B’rith International hosted a moving event to honor the late Japanese diplomat, Chiune Sugihara, whose righteous acts helped save thousands of Jews during the Holocaust. Current and former diplomats and Sugihara survivors and their descendants, including LDB advisory Board member Nathan Lewin and his daughter, LDB President Alyza Lewin, gave powerful remarks about the life and legacy of the “Japanese Schindler.” Watch Here Read More Brandeis Center Welcomes New Interns Samantha Crane, Brandeis Blog The Brandeis Center would like to extend a warm welcome to three new interns: Samantha Crane, Toby Irenstein and Bayla Zohn. Each intern will bring their own unique experiences, making them excellent new additions. Read More