January 22, 2024
As scholars devoted to examining critical issues at the intersection of Israel and antisemitism, we applaud Harvard University’s appointment of Professor Derek Penslar as co-chair of its Task Force on Campus Antisemitism. We are appalled by pernicious efforts to discredit and demonize Professor Penslar. As a leading scholar of Jewish and Israel Studies, Professor Penslar offers invaluable expertise on confronting resurgent antisemitism on campus. His nuanced criticisms of certain Israeli policies in no way negate his insights or disqualify him from this vital role.
Accusing respected thinkers of antisemitism and applying narrow litmus tests based on ideology dangerously exploits divisions rather than focusing on practical solutions. Of course, the Jewish community holds diverse views amidst the complex current reality in Israel, and when antisemitism shows up in debates about the situation in Israel and the occupied territories, it must be called out. But reasonable critiques of policy differ fundamentally from antisemitism.
We reject efforts to cynically weaponize antisemitism by inflaming divisions or undermining university initiatives to help students. Diversity of perspectives and experience helps to navigate complex issues thoughtfully and ultimately strengthens the effort to counter antisemitism. Leaders should applaud appointments like Professor Penslar’s to bring insight rather than ideology to this difficult task. We must come together to help Jewish students thrive despite those seeking to divide us.
Signatories
Steven Beller, Independent scholar, Washington D.C.
David Biale, Emanuel Ringelblum Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Department of History, UC Davis
Marla Brettschneider, Professor of Political Science and Women’s Studies, University of New Hampshire
Lori Lefkovitz, Ruderman Professor of Jewish Studies, Northeastern University
Ethan Katz, Associate Professor of History and Jewish Studies; Faculty Director, Center for Jewish Studies, UC Berkeley
David Schraub, Assistant Professor of Law, Lewis & Clark Law School
Joshua Shanes, Associate Professor of Jewish Studies; Director, Arnold Center for Israel Studies, College of Charleston
Mira Sucharov, Professor and Associate Chair, Department of Political Science, Carleton University Ottawa
Dov Waxman, Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation Chair of Israel Studies and the director of the Y&S Nazarian Center for Israel Studies, UCLA
Diane Winston, Knight Chair in Media and Religion at the Annenberg School for Communication, USC
Members of The Nexus Task Force – formed to prevent the abuse of accusations of antisemitism as a political weapon or a tool to undermine necessary deliberation and to distract from urgent efforts to interrupt the spread of antisemitism.
(University affiliations for identification purposes only)
