A Letter to the Orange County Community From the OC Independent Task Force on Anti-Semitism

I am posting an open letter to the Orange County community from the Orange County Independent Task Force on Anti-Semitism in connection with tomorrow night's appearance of the University of California President Mark Yudof at Bat Yahm Temple in Newport Beach. The event is being sponsored by the OC Jewish Federation.

"Dear Community Member,


As you know, Mark Yudof, President of the University of California will be addressing the community tomorrow evening at Temple Bat Yahm in Newport Beach.

It is no secret, that Jewish students have complained about verbal, physical and other forms of harassment including classroom intimidation. Over the past several years, Swastikas and other anti-Semitic symbols have appeared on several U C campuses and the level of anti-Semitic and anti-Israel rhetoric have increased dramatically. Just this year, over 60 UC Irvine faculty members and professors signed a letter stating, in part: “Some community members, students, and faculty indeed feel intimidated, and at times even unsafe.”

In an August 2010 interview in Orange County Jewish life Magazine, President Yudof invited community leaders to "hold our feet to the fire". http://www.ocjewishlife.com/site/more-speech-not-less/

On June 28, 2110, The Orange County Independent Task Force on anti-Semitism, along with 11 Major National Organizations co-signed a letter of concern to President Yudof. We attach this letter, along with President Yudof's response for your perusal and evaluation. We hope that the information contained in these letters will provide a basis and an opportunity for the community ask appropriate questions and engage in a useful, meaningful and productive dialogue with President Yudof."

http://octaskforce.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/letter-to-president-yudof-6_28_10.pdf

http://octaskforce.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/letter-from-yudof-7_2_10.pdf
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Fousesquawk comment:

It appears that the Orange County Jewish Federation will attempt to control the questions. Registration to attend the event is required, and attendees are asked to submit their questions in advance. Does this mean that questions are being screened? Does this mean that there is an effort to control who asks questions? Is there an effort afoot to put a happy face on the event and keep the audience from hearing any bad news about the UC campuses?

Of course, all questioners should be respectful and not disruptive. However, if President Yudof and the Federation are not willing to stay until the last question is asked and answered, it will speak volumes about the event.