What It’s About
Brooklyn’s Kingsborough Community College, a branch of the City University of New York (CUNY), canceled an event organized by Hillel to commemorate Israel’s Memorial Day due to anti-Israel protests and associated security concerns. Similar disruptions have affected other Israel-related events within the CUNY system, highlighting ongoing tensions.
Why It Matters
The cancellation underscores growing concerns about the safety of Jewish students and the protection of their rights on campus. The incidents also reflect the rising tide of pro-Palestinian advocacy within academic institutions, particularly since the recent escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Bigger Picture
Security and Free Speech
According to Susan Aranoff, faculty adviser for Kingsborough Hillel, students were dismayed by the administration’s decision to cancel the event rather than provide increased security. “The college must protect freedom of expression for all,” Aranoff said, emphasizing the need for equal protection and rights on campus.
System-Wide Impact
The atmosphere across the CUNY system hasn’t been conducive to holding such events. For instance, Baruch College’s Hillel also experienced cancellations but declined alternative locations offered by the administration. However, Queens College’s Hillel successfully hosted Memorial and Independence Day events without incident.
Administrative Response
A CUNY spokesperson reaffirmed the university’s commitment to safety: “We are committed to ensuring that every student and faculty or staff member is safe from violence, intimidation, and harassment while supporting free speech for all.” Despite this, security concerns led to more restrictive measures rather than protective actions.
Protests vs. Memorial
Details of the Canceled Event
The Hillel event at Kingsborough included a Zoom session with a former Israeli soldier and a campus-based memorial service. However, facing an anti-Israel rally announcement, the college canceled the event, citing an abundance of caution, which drew criticism from Jewish faculty and students who were eager to hold a peaceful remembrance ceremony.
Pro-Palestinian Protests
The announced protests, which even declared “victory” after the event’s cancellation, demonstrate a highly charged and contentious campus atmosphere. Similar protest actions occurred at the Graduate Center and other branches, underscoring the sustained and organized nature of pro-Palestinian activism.
Moving Forward
Community Reaction
Faculty and students have urged CUNY to provide better protections and to not capitulate to threats. Various Hillel chapters have voiced their frustration, seeing these disruptions as an infringement on their right to celebrate their cultural and national identities.
Maintaining Dialogue
Hillel chapters and university administrations are engaging in discussions to better manage these tensions, with some campuses, like Queens College, seeing improved conditions through active cooperation with school officials.
Commitment to Safety
As expressed by interim president Josh Brumberg at the Graduate Center, the university remains committed to upholding free speech while ensuring a safe environment for all students to pursue their education free from harassment and intimidation.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.