What it is about
A trustee at the University of Michigan, Jordan Acker, recently experienced yet another incident of vandalism linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict. On Monday, Acker, a Jewish attorney and a Democrat, discovered his window shattered and anti-Israel graffiti on his wife’s car. This incident marks the third such attack Acker has faced due to the escalating tensions over Israel.
Why it matters
This attack against Acker, who has served significant roles, including as a board member for the Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit, highlights the rise in antisemitic actions amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict, despite Acker’s clear stance for justice and safety. It also places emphasis on the challenges faced by individuals supporting Israel at universities, where significant expressions of anti-Israel sentiments and threatening tactics have been observed.
The Response
Jordan Acker responded vehemently against the attack, refusing to succumb to fear and underlining his commitment to fight back against bigotry. With resilience, he called for the Michigan community to rally against antisemitic bullying.
The University of Michigan issued a strong rebuke of the actions labeling them as “antisemitic intimidation” and insistently condemned the repeated targeting of individuals like Acker.
Activism and Incidents
The vandalism correlates with heightened activism at the university. Previously, campus tensions manifested when the student government contemplated withholding funds pending a divestiture from Israel, which was later met with changes in leadership via impeachment.
The state of Michigan, a central location for both Jewish and Arab American communities, mirrors this campus activism, further amplifying the discourse among varied ethnic groups since October 7, 2023, when the Israel-Hamas war escalated.
A Call for Justice
Acker advocates for full legal accountability for the perpetrators. He underscores the importance of lawful discourse without transgressions like vandalism, reinforcing the need for constructive, respectful dialogues regarding policies related to the Middle East.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.