I opened my big mouth and said that Antisemitism on campus can be dealt with. More specifically, I opened my mouth even bigger and claimed Antisemitism in CUNY can be dealt with.
It’s pay time now, because at least one person asked “How?”.
Background
Antisemitism in North America and more specifically on campus is rarely violent. It is almost always abusive and menacing, but not physically violent. That includes even Nerdeen Kiswani and other such extremists. There is almost no record of physical assault over the years by student organizations and if at all, never on campus. This should, in fact, make no difference in tactics, but just you are wondering, nobody is going to die fighting AS on campus. Probably not even get pushed.
In all conflict events, Jewish people revert to fight (arguing, shouting, debunking, countering…) or flight (flight…). Both responses escalate the situation further. If we fight, we give the other the adrenalin rush they need to cross the line into violence or direct abuse. If we “win”, by shouting louder than the others, we merely give them more reasons to hate (please, let us not delude ourselves that by shouting “Am Yisraeel Chai” we scare them or convince them). If we run, we embolden the others to pursue. As a result, the only way to stand our ground is without fighting. That is by definition Non Violent Resistance.
AS in CUNY is prevalent, so we’re told. Whether we want to or not we will run into it. Fighting may bring very partial results, or worse, escalate the situation. Running away will simply bring us weaker to the next round. So, in conclusion, even if unsuccessful, NVR presents no possible losses, tactically or otherwise.
Goal
Our goal, first and foremost, is:
TO BE ABLE TO BE JEWISH, OPENLY, AND SAFELY, ON CAMPUS.
Stopping Antisemitic or Anti-Israeli activity on campus is secondary.
Methods
1. Organizing and mobilizing.
Jewish students and staff should organize and establish a communication network. For example, if several dozens of Jewish people establish a Whatsapp group, nothing more is needed.
2. All members of the group, should acquire items that make them visibly Jewish (not loudly or provocatively so. For example, an “I love the IDF” T-shirt is legitimate but unnecessary) and wear them constantly. We think a yarmulke or a star-of-David hat are excellent props.
3. Whenever they encounter harassment they stand their ground, literally.
3.1. They will not react, they will not defend themselves, they will not seek to shorten the interaction.
3.2. They will only state the following, as calmly and neutrally as possible:
- Thank you for telling me what you think.
- I am Jewish/Zionist and that will not change, no matter what.
- You are welcome to do or say anything and everything you want.
3.3. They will not provoke or confront but they will not leave the scene until their adversary does. Yes, even if takes all day.
If an adversary turns reasonable and cooperative, there is no reason to continue NVR tactics. If there can be a dialogue, even an unpleasant one, it should be pursued. NVR is meant for saying that we will not be bullied. It is not meant for saying the door is closed for interaction.
3.4. If possible, they will use the communication group to report the incident, and all group members able to do so will arrive on the scene. They will also act nonviolently, even if their number is greater than that of their adversaries. The goal is not to intimidate with numbers, just to get a very clear message.
4. If public Antisemitic events take place on campus, a large-as-possible group of visibly Jewish people will attend it.
4.1. They will not disrupt the event in any way. They will, however, be visible throughout the event and will not leave until it is over.
4.2. If confronted, they will state they are Jewish/Zionist and that they will never disrupt the event. They will not ask questions or do anything other than attend.
4.3. If not legally bound to, they will not leave, even if asked to. If removed by force, they will not resist, but will not cooperate. They will stay at the closest point possible until the event is over.
4.4. For example: An antisemitic figure is invited to give a lecture on campus. Jewish people will attend this event in numbers. If it is a closed event, they will keep a vigil as close as possible to the event, making sure they are seen by the speaker.
5. If a Jewish/Israeli event is disrupted, no action will be taken to stop the disruption.
5.1. Jewish people will show no hostility but will politely wait until the shouting and waving is over.
5.2. If possible. They will invite the disrupters to speak freely. They will not be any arguing or countering. Disruptors will simply be informed that we are Jewish/Zionist and nothing you will do or say will change that.
5.3. They will notify the disruptors that they are welcome but that the event will continue as planned as soon as they leave, even if it takes all day.
5.4. For example: A group of students is hanging an Israeli flag to celebrate Independence Day. An anti-Israeli group takes the flag down and burns it. The Jewish students do not prevent that. They hang a new flag and inform the disruptors that they are free to burn that one two, but there will always be another one. Always.
6. Antisemitic faculty will not be confronted or argued with.
6.1. If bullied by faculty, Jewish students will stand their ground, inform their adversary that they are Jewish/Zionist and will ask, politely, to hear everything the faculty member has to say about Jews and Israel.
6.2. No arguing or countering. At the most, they might say: “I am Jewish/Zionist and I disagree with most of what you say. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.”
6.3. Consequently, every Jewish person on campus will contact said faculty member, inform them that they are Jewish/Zionist, and will ask, politely to hear all they have to say.
7. All social media interactions will be dealt with in the same manner.
The process described here is technically simple but obviously calls for extreme determination and mental resilience. Therefore, the best way to approach it is through preparation and training. At a minimum, we strongly advise a basic introduction to NVR before engaging adversaries.
Expected Outcome
1. Jewish people on campus will stop being victims.
They will stop hoping that someone will save them and learn to calmly stare fear in the eye.
Even if no other achievement is realized, this effect will be a satisfactory outcome.
2. Jewish people on campus will define their identity and adhere to it at all costs.
Fighting Antisemitism is not a goal. It is a mean of being freely Jewish. We will be Jewish first, no matter what, and then fight Antisemitism.
3. Antisemites on campus will learn that bullying Jews is impossible.
No amount of force will stop Jews from being openly Jewish and Zionist. No amount of force will disrupt Jewish lives and experience on campus.
In conclusion, you want to do something? It's hard, but possible, and may even herald some long-due changes in our thinking and strategies.
You want to go back to the mud-fights on social media? the endless "disappointment with the administration?" the "being horrified"? the self victimizing?
You can do that too. It's there anyway.
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