What’s happening:

Israel’s Foreign Ministry, in collaboration with the Diaspora Affairs Ministry, is forming a task force to address the rise of antisemitic incidents on U.S. university campuses. The initiative includes a series of tactics aimed at imposing repercussions on individuals and organizations involved in antisemitic activities.

Why it matters:

The increase in antisemitism at educational institutions not only affects Jewish and Israeli students but also challenges the values of diversity and tolerance that universities stand for. Israel’s approach reflects a broader concern about the influence of foreign funding and organizations that propagate hatred and discrimination.

The strategy:

Economic and Employment Consequences:

The task force plans to implement personal, economic, and employment consequences for those spreading antisemitism, without directly involving the State of Israel. This includes impacting the hiring prospects of identified antisemitic students to deter such behavior.

Naming and Shaming:

Publicizing the identities of individuals, both students and faculty, who are involved in antisemitic actions. The goal is to make it difficult for these individuals to find employment, thereby applying economic pressure for change.

Legal Actions:

Legal steps will be taken against organizations that threaten Jewish and Israeli students. Collaboration with U.S. Justice Department officials and Jewish organizations is underway to utilize legal tools to protect students and hold perpetrators accountable.

Economic Pressures:

Israel aims to influence the funding of universities by urging Jewish and non-Jewish donors to reconsider their support for institutions that fail to address antisemitism. This includes exposing foreign funding that fosters antisemitic and anti-Israeli activities.

Diplomatic Efforts:

The possibility of partnering with the U.S. government, which plans to release its own strategy to combat antisemitism on campuses, is being explored as part of a diplomatic effort to address the issue.

Support and Education:

A toolkit for pro-Israeli professors and students will be developed to counteract antisemitic narratives. The Foreign Ministry is considering a social media campaign and the deployment of influencers to support pro-Israel and Jewish communities on campuses.

The bigger picture:

Israel’s multifaceted strategy exemplifies a proactive international approach to combating antisemitism. By addressing the economic, legal, and social aspects of the issue, the task force aims to create a safer and more inclusive environment for Jewish and Israeli students abroad.

This story was first published on ynetnews.