We are deeply alarmed that colleges and universities — long-standing centers of free thought and robust debate — are increasingly facing pressure from the federal government to silence any campus discussion about the Middle East that challenges narrow, nationalistic narratives. Intimidation and censorship stand in contrast to core Jewish ethical values including the sanctity of open dialogue, the commitment to intellectual inquiry, and shomer adamah (the protection of the Earth). We are outraged by the arrests or disappearing of people without due process.  We strongly applaud the statement* by a broad coalition of national Jewish organizations recognizing that the pretext of “combating antisemitism” is being used primarily as a cudgel to suppress free speech and defund universities. We are outraged by the cancellation of vital research projects, a dangerous move that threatens critical work needed to address the challenges of our shared future. Silencing scholars not only erodes academic freedom but also undermines the pursuit of a more just and sustainable world. As Governor Pritzker of Illinois recently stated: Let me say this to Donald Trump: “Stop tearing down the Constitution in the name of my ancestors,” he said. “Do not claim that your authoritarian power grabs are about combating antisemitism. When you destroy social justice, you are disparaging the very foundation of Judaism.”
*Source: https://jewishpublicaffairs.org/press-release/jewishcommunalstatement/