What it’s about:
The University of Minnesota has halted its search for a new director of the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies after choosing Israeli candidate Raz Segal, who caused an outcry by accusing Israel of genocide shortly after the October 7th Hamas attacks.
Why it matters:
This move highlights the sensitivity and significance of Holocaust and genocide studies, particularly in an environment where local Jewish community perspectives and trust in leadership are paramount. Ensuring this community’s involvement and adherence to standards of historical accuracy is crucial for maintaining educational integrity and support.
Details:
Jewish groups opposed Segal’s hiring after discovering his controversial views on Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Faced with resignations from two advisory board members and additional opposition from the local Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), the school decided to pause the search process for the directorship.
University’s Decision:
The university initially defended Segal, who is now the director of a Holocaust and Genocide Studies program at Stockton University in New Jersey, but reversed its stance due to mounting pressure. Interim President Jeff Ettinger stated that given the critical role of the Director, more community input was needed, leading to the decision to pause and reassess next steps.
Controversial Views and Reactions:
Raz Segal, known for his critical stance against Israeli policies, wrote an article in Jewish Currents claiming that Israel’s military activities in Gaza amounted to genocide. This stance, perceived by many as radical, has stirred significant controversy, even drawing criticism from notable scholars and community leaders, who labeled his views as extreme and misaligned with responsible academic leadership.
Community Response:
The JCRC of Minnesota and the Dakotas welcomed the university’s decision, calling for greater involvement of the local Jewish community in the selection process. Previous director searches had included input from the JCRC, which was conspicuously absent this time.
Background Context:
The university’s Jewish community has faced recent antisemitic incidents, adding to the urgency of appointing a director who can uphold Holocaust remembrance and education. Additionally, the emergence of similar critical opinions from a minority of Jewish and Israeli scholars underscores growing concerns within pro-Israel groups about protecting historical narrative integrity in academia.
Resignations and Critiques:
Faculty members Karen Painter and former center director Bruno Chaouat both resigned in protest of Segal’s appointment, underscoring their belief that his views were incompatible with the center’s mission and values. Painter specifically cited Segal’s formative essay accusing Israel of genocide, written shortly after Hamas’s attacks, as a primary reason for her opposition and resignation.
What’s next:
The University of Minnesota is expected to conduct a more inclusive and vigilant search process to appoint a director for the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, ensuring that the perspective of the broader Jewish community and mainstream scholars guide the decision.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.