Columbia Forum Addresses Rising Antisemitism in Higher Education

COLUMBIA – A Call to Action Against Antisemitism in Higher Education

On September 9, 2024, Columbia buzzed with a pivotal gathering of leaders from the realms of education and politics, all focused on a pressing issue: antisemitism on college campuses. The forum, held at the University of South Carolina’s Pastides Alumni Center, witnessed the participation of numerous influential figures dedicated to addressing this growing concern. The event was organized by the Combat Antisemitism Movement and attracted representatives from major educational institutions throughout South Carolina.

Concerns Amidst Controversies

The recent rise in antisemitic incidents and protests across the nation has raised alarms. While South Carolina hasn’t seen protests on the scale of those in New York or Michigan, troubling occurrences, such as the arrest of students chanting pro-Palestinian slogans at USC earlier this year, highlight that the issue is not irrelevant here.

The statistics paint a stark picture. The Antidefamation League reported a shocking 193 percent increase in antisemitic incidents in South Carolina from 2021 to 2022, signifying a shift that state leaders can no longer ignore. By bringing together educators, lawmakers, and philanthropic figures, the forum sought to foster discussions around the rising antisemitism, its roots, and possible solutions.

A Gathering of Voices

The day was filled with insightful discussions. Attendees included Gov. Henry McMaster, Attorney General Alan Wilson, and philanthropist Anita Zucker, whose family has personal ties to the Holocaust. They shared their perspectives on the alarming normalization of antisemitic rhetoric and its dangerous potential.

Wilson poignantly noted the parallels between the current climate and the sentiments that allowed the atrocities of the Holocaust to unfold. Meanwhile, Anat Sultan-Dadon, the consul general of Israel to the Southeastern U.S., pointed out the absurdity of honoring a terror group’s flag while simultaneously mourning lives lost to that same group. “While in Israel we are burying the six hostages who were brutally executed…,” she remarked, highlighting the dissonance in civic discussions around antisemitism.

The Importance of Dialogue

The forum was not just about identifying problems; it was also a platform to discuss practical solutions. Participants engaged in workshops which addressed the experiences of students and parents on campuses and delved into the financial aspects fueling antisemitic actions across the U.S. Brandon Fish, the Charleston Jewish Federation’s community outreach director, touched on the nuances of the discussions, emphasizing the need for universities to create balanced policies that differentiate between legitimate criticism and antisemitism.

“There’s legitimate criticism of Israel that’s happening, and there’s also antisemitism,” he explained. “Sometimes it’s blurry where that line is because Israel is the only Jewish state in the world, and Jews all over the world have a special connection to Israel.” It’s this delicate balance that university leaders must navigate moving forward.

Contentious Invite or Free Expression?

As thoughtful as the day’s discussions were, the event also brought to light some uncomfortable contradictions. USC currently faces scrutiny for hosting a speaker known for his extremist views, Gavin McInnes, founder of the Proud Boys. Despite public backlash, USC President Michael Amiridis insists on upholding First Amendment rights, arguing for the importance of allowing diverse voices, even those that may offend.

Governor McMaster echoed some shared sentiments but cautioned about the implications of inviting such figures. He asked a crucial question: “Who is being invited, and why?” The governor contemplated his experiences, noting that often, individuals invited to speak do not contribute substantively. The implications of hosting polarizing figures must be carefully considered against the backdrop of such a serious issue as antisemitism.

Moving Forward Together

As Columbia looks ahead, the forum on combating antisemitism has highlighted both the urgent need and the careful approaches required to address this growing concern. With community leaders, educators, and political figures actively engaging in this discourse, South Carolina takes a step toward building a more understanding and inclusive future.