Last night, I attended a speech by University of California President Mark Yudof at Temple Bat Yahm in Newport Beach. The topic was "Civil Discourse on College Campuses". The event was sponsored by the Orange County Jewish Federation. As previously reported, the Federation, in their inimitable style, attempted to tightly control the attendance of the event and the questions asked. Prior to the event, Yudof met with a group of Jewish UCI students for a private discussion and dinner. There is reason to suspect they were hand-picked.
The topic that was on everbody's mind was the on-going controversy involving the Muslim Student Union, their sponsored speakers and charges of anti-Semitism on the UCI campuses. The question that was hanging over the event was just how bad is it or isn't it for Jewish students at UCI. As I have said repeatedly, 99% of the students at UCI are not anti-Semitic in any way, yet, a tiny minority and their sponsored speakers have succeeded in dragging the reputation of the school into the mud. It was clear from the outset that one purpose of the event was to assure the audience that Jewish life is "thriving at UCI". Though the opening address by Bat Yahm's rabbi, Mark Miller, laid out in stark and unmistakable terms the anti-Semitism he had experienced while giving a lecture on the UCI campus, a student speaker from Hillel made it a point to state that the situation was by no means as bad as certain outside groups and individuals were describing it.
Then came a movie produced by Hillel, called "Jewish life at UCI" or something like that. It showed interviews with Jewish students talking about all the positive aspects of life on campus, happy Jewish students frolicking at parties and the "I-Fest" (the annual pro-Israel week of events.)
They might as well have called it "Springtime in Germany".
Then came Yudof. Briefly summarized, the thesis of his talk was that while he was not happy with many of the events that have gone on at UCI and other campuses, he explained that it was constitutionally protected expression. Other than that, he said nothing.
That left a central question hovering over the audience; was there anti-Semitism at UCI? If so, how bad was it? Did the film dispel those concerns?
While Yudof was speaking, there was a stir. A young female was being taken out of the room by one of the OC Federation security guards followed by the CEO of the Federation. What had this young woman done? She had begun to start filming the speech. (others were filming as well, but they were apparently filming for the Federation.) I happen to know the young woman. She has filmed many of the MSU events on campus, and a couple of years ago, was followed back to her car by several MSU males after an evening speech at UCI by Amir Abdel Malik Ali. She was blocked from leaving as the males tried to write down her license number. That incident has been previously described here on this blog. When the UCI campus police arrived, they refused to assist the young woman and another female who witnessed the event. It was a classic case of campus police acting like potted plants in the face of thuggery.
But I digress. Back to last night.
Another lady went to vouch for the woman's presence since she was registered and posed no security threat. Yet, there was the CEO of the Federation rudely demanding to know who the woman was and who she "was working for". Eventually, she was allowed to re-enter the room after agreeing not to film. (I am unaware of there having been any posted restrictions on filming the talk.) The whole affair was outrageous and spoke volumes about the nature of the Orange County Jewish Federation.
I told you this was a controlled event. Note to OC Jewish Federation; this is not the Soviet Union.
Then came the questions. As requested by the Federation, many questions were pre-submitted by audience members when they registered for the event online. As those questions were being asked, audience members could write down their own questions, which were collected by officials and delivered to the stage for selection by two moderators. Not surprisingly, most of the questions were about the UCI campus, the Muslim Student Union, their so-called suspension and questions of anti-Semitism on campus. A couple of questions were in connection with UC professors who used their classroom as a soapbox to shove their personal views down students' throats. (Some of the questions received more applause then Yudof's responses.)
If you are wondering at this point what Yudof's responses were, I can't help you much here. To summarize, I would say his answers were pretty mushy. Answers to questions regarding the MSU "suspension" were purposely avoided-as he mentioned-due to legal concerns. Many UCI-related questions were simply answered by saying it was a local matter (I am paraphrasing.)
Other than that, he said nothing. At times, his answers came across as cavalier, in my view.
Judging from the audience's reaction and body language, I would guess that perhaps half of them were not impressed by Yudof's answers. I know I wasn't. How does one reconcile the images of the happy Hillel film with the one issue that brought nearly everyone to hear Yudof speak, that is, the incidents over almost a decade that have brought notoriety to the school. Finally, it was Yudof himself, seemingly realizing the tone of the audience who called for the "last question".
In case you are wondering if my question (which I signed) was read..........
the answer is, of course not.
Just for the heck of it, here is what I wrote (inspired by having watched the happy Hillel film);
"If things are so great at UCI, why did a group of Jewish students go to the Student Government and complain about anti-Semitism earlier this year? Also why did a group of 60+ Jewish professors at UCI write an an open letter complaining about anti-Semitism on the UCI campus (last May)?"
Somehow, there seem to be conflicting messages, would you not agree?
35 comments:
Springtime in Germany?
You mean the reality is that Jewish students at UCI are forced to wear yellow stars, and are in imminent fear of being rounded up, stuffed into freight cars, and railroaded to some remote camp in the Mohave Desert?
Watch your analogies. You might make a fool of yourself, even if you have something valid to say.
Actually, the first thought that came to mind was Theresienstadt. I wrote it on a piece of paper and passed it down the aisle of my friends-all of whom are Jewish. I know I overuse the Nazi metaphors, but sometimes, damn it, I want to use the term "Judenrat"-not in conection wioth last night's event, mind you.
Gary, what is wrong with you?!?!
Now, you are comparing Hillel and Federation to Nazis! How dare you. What makes you any better now, than the anti-Israel and anti-Semites who label Israelis as Nazis. I've been wondering for some time where your own feelings of Jews lie. I often read in your blog posts comments about Jews trying to control things and only caring about money. That my friend is blatant anti-Semitism. And now this remark about Theresenstadt. What exactly are your motives for attaching yourself to the anti-Jewish issues at UCI. What is it with your obsession with Jews. Perhaps you should think about picking a new pet group. Anyone who compares Jews to Nazis is no friend to the Jews.
Talk about control free expression! Gary, you very hypocritically accuse the Federation of trying to control the questions at the event, comparing them to the Soviet Union.
Then I go to make my first ever comment to your blog a few moments ago, and a note pops up that you have to approve the post. Is the pot calling the kettle black?
Why are you filtering comments and setting your blog so that you must approve my comment before it can be published?
By the way, I have been so several lectures over the years where Q&A was organized similar to the Yudof event last night--where the moderator selects the questions that are asked. Haven't you been watching presidential debates the last few years or shows like the O'Reilly factor? Both of those outfits filter and select the questions and comments they receive from the public. In fact, I was pretty impressed that Federation went to the trouble of having the technology in place so that people could submit their question when they registered.
Speaking of registration, you even had a problem with Federation doing that. I don't know what country you are from, but RSVPing for a program is a pretty standard concept and procedure.
Zug,
"I often read in your blog posts comments about Jews trying to control things and only caring about money. That my friend is blatant anti-Semitism."
You apparently don't read this blog enough. I don't compare Jews to Nazis, I condemn those who do. What I was doing was making comparisons to those Jews who won't speak the truth about what is going on. As far as what I have said about the Fed in OC, it stands. Why has the Fed fought against those who try to educate the public about incidents at UCI? Why did the Fed oppose the ZOA a few years ago re UCI? Why did the Fed not sign the letter to Yudof from 12 jewish organizations this year complaining about UCI-a letter that Yudof rebuffed? When did you ever see anyone from the Fed challenge the MSU speakers when they spewed their hate? Why has the Fed protected UCI all these years? It was only after the Yudof affair that the Fed was forced to take a stand-making it appear they were "leading the charge". Yet, why did the Fed oppose the efforts of the local community to come to campus and lend their presence during Israel Apartheid Week in May?
Wise up, Zug. You need to do some homework. I've been attending these MSU events and challenging the speakers for about 5 years now, so I think I know what I am talking about.
And I don't have an obsession about Jews. What I do have is three years experience living in Germany (in the Nuremberg area) and an intimiate knowledge of the history of the Third Reich. I see it coming again. If you don't believe me, do what I do; spend some time in Europe and see what it is becoming for Jews.
Zug,
The comment filter is to keep out profane comments and language, for which I am responsible for. I welcome disagreement and rarely reject comments except when they become downright insulting. Other than that, I am willing to debate. In addition, I put my name to everything I say or write-unlike you, by the way.
The fact is that I have been to many MSU events which didn't put that kind of restriction on attendees and questions-or ask for $$$ in spite of the fact they had gotten a grant to put this event on.
As for the Fed trying to control the dialogue, you don't know the half of it. You would do well to look into it.
Gary, I've actually been reading your blog for quite some time now, and I have been reading your more frequent comments from you about Jews trying to control things and only caring about money.
You always seems to think you know all the facts--instead what you are doing in perpetuating conspiracy theories.
The Federation never fought the ZOA -- it was actually Jewish students who have opposed the ZOA. I actually have in under the authority that the ZOA and Federation communicate with each other fairly regularly for the last several years.
You ask why the Federation did not sign the letter to Yudof -- did the possibility even ever dawn on you that the Federation might not have been asked to sign the letter?
Can you inquire and let us all know the answer because now I am curious myself.
I know, you're always the one who goes up to the microphone and asks the speaker a challenging question. For some reason, you think that is the ultimate end-all, be-all. Guess what; one of the first basic lessons in Israel advocacy is don't waste your time asking the speaker a question, because since they have the podium they can twist your question and reaffirm any point they want to make. It is an uneffective method.
Instead, the students are the ones that have it right. They create flyers and handouts that deligitimize the speaker, point of their historical flawed remarks, etc. That will always be 100% MORE EFFECTIVE than walking up to a microphone and trying to make the speaker look bad. And, yes I know this year we got Malik Ali to say he supports Hamas and that the Jews are the new Nazis. Trust me, he will continue to make plenty of these comments without having to ask him to do so.
The way I see it, Federation has been involved for years. They have supported Hillel and Anteaters for Israel by providing advocacy training, sending them to leadership conferences (like AIPAC and StandWithUs), providing financial resources so that students can bring their pro-Israel programs and speakers to the campus. I've spoken with many students myself, and the majority are less interested in adults from the community coming to the campus, and more interested in having the funds and resources to do things the way they see fit. Why aren't more community members providing direct support to the students?
What other organizations have done directly as much for the students at UCI on an on-going basis throughout the year?
With no question, all the letters and media statements that the ZOA has put out has helped moved things along. The ZOA is already doing a great job at it. the OC Taskforce is already doing it, so why in your book, does Federation also have to do it?
How can you deny that the Federation's investment in the students for the last several years is not a good thing to do?
Are you even aware of what they Federation has been doing the last several years with UCI? Or are you just eating up more conspiracy theories?
Zug,
Another reason I go to the mic is when the speakers trash America. If you think that is ineffective, that's your business.
"I have been reading your more frequent comments from you about Jews trying to control things and only caring about money."
Stop that. I only made that comment in connection with the Fed. I have said that the Fed is trying to protect its empire and keep the donations flowing, but I have never made any such comment about Jews. You know you are twisting this, and I won't let you get away with it.
I am not denying that the Fed and Hillel have done positive things; I am referring to this one issue, where I criticize them.
As for the students, please explain to me who has the authority to say that "jewish students want the community not to come to campus? I know several feel that way, but who speaks for all Jewish students? I can produce students who have a different point of view. As I have said many times, I respect the opinions of the students, but there are other issues that go beyond just the students. If anti-Semitsm or racism or homophobia is expressed, anyone has the right to oppose it. Similarly, anyone has the right to defend America from these virulent speakers. Keep in mind that I am not "an outsider". I have been working at UCI for 12 years. I care about the reputation of this university too.
"What other organizations have done directly as much for the students at UCI on an on-going basis throughout the year?"
To my mind on the national level, only ZOA and SWU, and on a local level, the OC Task Force. The ZOA has taken barbs for what they have done and the Fed is not supportive of the TF.
"I am not denying that the Fed and Hillel have done positive things..."
I think I may have just fallen out of my chair. Am I reading this right? You are acknowledging that the Federation does positive things? I have read your comments that Hillel does positive things, but NEVER a nod to Federation. I'm amost speechless.
"I have said that the Fed is trying to protect its empire and keep the donations flowing, but I have never made any such comment about Jews."
Gary, seriously you should consider stopping with this. I'm not twisting anything. It's right there in black and white. If you are familiar with Jewish communal history over the last several hundred years going back to Europe, then you should know that in local Jewish communities, there has always been a central body that that coordinates and facilitates the financial support for those in need. Many other ethnic groups (including Muslims) have studied this and tried to emulate it. In the American Jewish community, this came in the form of the Jewish Federation beginning in Boston in 1895. YOu can read more of the history here: http://www.jewishfederations.org/page.aspx?id=1039
Your comment about protecting the empire is something right out of Goebbels's book--the local Jewish community infastructure like that. And the Czar's Red Army creating of the "Protocols of the Elders of Zion."
And yes, you have singled out individual Jews for only caring about money--Mr. Elcott. By singling him out and talking about his great concern to protect his coffers, you conjure up the anti-Semitic imagery of the shylock and Jew money lenders that has been perpetuated for centuries, resulting in pogroms and oppression.
As a Jew, myself, who has studied anti-Semitism, you (especially as a non-Jew) may want to reconsider how you throw around comments like "protecting the empire" and only caring about money.
Zug,
You either are not making sense or you are trying to somehow twist my criticism of the Fed into anti-Semitism in and of itself. That is completely disingenuous. That is akin to calling me a racist because I criticize Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton. I am not rrying to revive any canards; on the contray, I have pointed out the canard of the Protocols as they are still gaining currency in the Middle East.
So that argument will not work.
And as far as your criticism of my challenging MSU speakers as being ineffective, I always find it amusing to listen to those who don't have the courage to walk up to that mic criticizing those who do.
Squid,
You're right, the video was one sided---that was the whole point!
For years groups have been exposing the anti-Israel and anti-Jewish activity that does exist at UCI. It is out there. We all know it exists. Do those same groups ever tell the whole story and make sure to include that UCI actually has a great Jewish life for students.
And, all the positive stuff that Jewish students are building, depsite the crap on campus, NEVER gets told.
So, what is wrong with students being allowed to tell their piece of the story. The Hillel student even acknowledged and discussed the anti-Semitism that exists at UCI. Did you not hear him say that? Do you guys have your heads in the sand?
Would you suggest that this piece of the story should be censored, and that these Jewish students be silenced? Why are you guys such hypocrites?
And with the woman filming, it was a private event at which people had to RSVP, it was held on private property, and costs of the event were covered by private funding. I watched the whole thing take place as well.
Why are you lying? No one demanded that she leave the room. She was politely asked to speak with the security guard. She was not threatened at all. If she had nothing to hide, then what is the problem?
First Gary compared Jewish students who made the UCI film to Nazis and now you compare the event security to the MSU thugs who cornered the same young woman in the UCI parking garage a couple of years ago.
I really don't get your logic. It's like you want to have your cake and eat it, too.
You are right about one thing, the event was controlled, and it was well executed instead of the chaos that took place at Ambassador Oren's speech. It's called event logistics. I for one am thankful the Federation ran such a respectful program.
Just because we live in the land of the free doesn't mean people can do whatever they want. There are certain rules, policies and decorum to follow. Stop being hypocritical.
-Zug
I had attended the controlled presentation made by Dr. Yudof. The event was very well orchestrated and developed to give the impression that all is good with the
Jewish students at UCI. The message was built upon propaganda fed to the Jewish Community through a "warm and fuzzy" video produced by Hillel. The questions
were filtered so that only milder issues would be addressed. Dr. Yudof handled them in a seemingly concerned manner, with no true solutions. When a
videographer (one of many) who was not one of the sanctioned ones, started to role, the control was lost. A little man demanded that she exit the room, with
Shalom Elcott following. They lambasted her, because they were loosing the embedded control over the event. One asks the question, what was so controversial that they were so concerned? The answer is; lose of Jewish Community support and donations. Back to the Hillel video: This piece was deliberately constructed to portray a one sided, all is happy and well story that cloaks the sordid anti-Semitism, Jew-hatred, anti-Zionist and anti-America tirade by dangerous rhetorical spew on the
UCI campus. The situation is periodically punctuated by in your face expletives. This part of the picture was not presented, which is dishonest reporting.
Squid
Zug,
I've been up to my neck involved with the anti-Semitism at UCI for years now and can tell you with certainty that you are mistaken about Gary. He is one of the very best friends we have.
He is making the same analogy I have made many times, by comparing the strategy that the Federation has employed dealing with the UCI administration with the Jewish leadership in various communities employed with the German authorities in the 30's. They were accommodating and obsequious. They thought they could deal with the Nazis. They thought it would all pass in due course and we just had to weather the storm. They sought to minimize the situation to their constituencies so that no one would do something so foolhardy that would upset those in control of their fate.
The Federation analogy is with the Jewish Counsels, not the Nazis. The Yudof presentation was more of the same strategy, telling the community that 1) The situation is not as bad as it seems (it is only a week a year); 2) Everything that can be done is being done; 3) Trust us and don't do anything to make UCI look bad.
They put a great stock in the views of the students but the problem with that is that the students come and go. Some students see anti-Semitism there and some don't. Some see it some times and not other times, depending on who they are addressing. The students don't have the knowledge and experience to know what flows from these anti-Semetic situations. It doesn't concern them when the University declines to discipline the MSU when they lie to the school about illegal fundraising on campus for a Hamas front organization. They aren't concerned when UCI minimizes the punishment for disrupting the Israeli ambassador's address on campus. I would object to the anti-Semitism at UCI if it were a dry cleaning store or restaurant and not a university. It doesn't matter to me if the customers are ok with it... it is not ok with me.
There is a long list of UCI forgivenesses of the MSU that the Federation has tolerated without invoking the outrage that should come from the community. The bottom line is that things have been getting worse at UCI year after year. We only hope, once again, that the situation will change this year.
It is people like Gary and ACT for America and particularly the ZOA and StandwithUs that have raised the awareness of what is going on there and done something about it. It is thanks to them that things may, may, be changing now. We should be grateful to them as the Federation has been basically irrelevant these last few years on this fight and even at times enabling the UCI administration that, in turn enables the MSU. It was the ZOA that obtained the change in the Title VI definition of what will now be covered to include protection against anti-Semitism ... certainly not the Federation.
I was on the Task Force that spent a year interviewing students, faculty, and community leaders and produced the Report on anti-Semitism at UCI and I have personal and in depth knowledge of the situation.
.
Zug,
The woman was a registered attendee. As for the confrontation-were you present? The truth will come out.
Zug,
It is very good that we are having this dialog. The points are well taken and can be brought to light by this process. But, I do not like being called a lier. What I saw and heard is reported, no distortions. Ask yourself the question: Why did Shalom Elcott follow the security guard out of the auditorium? Why did Elcott question the videographer by saying: "Who is paying you?" Why did a friend of the videographer have to go into the lobby to vouch for the videographer? And, the videographer was told that return to the program was on condition of no video. I carefully looked at the email confirmation that stated the conditions for attendance in this event. It was made clear that event officials can take pictures of the audience, with no mention of restricted pictures or video by attendees. So, without such a notice, the videographer felt free to take video. If you do not believe this, take a look at your "Thank You" confirmation.
It pleases me to see that the Hillel/UCI students have such a rich opportunity to participate in the Judaic. Heritage and tradition is what keeps the Jewish spirit alive and well. This is very apparent in the video. But, on the other hand, it is not being honest to the community to not provide equal coverage of the hatred that exists toward Jewish students. This is especially true of the "Apartheid Week". These visuals provide images that drill into the core a human being.
Squid
Gary,
I happened to be sitting in the back of the room where the woman was escorted. Because she and another woman were beginnging to make a scene and beginning to raise their voices, another gentleman who works at Federation asked them step into the lobby in order to close the door and not have the program interupted.
If Federation was the organizer of this private event on private property of which we were all guests, why is it bad for Mr. Elcott, head of the Federation, to ask why she was filming?
It's been mentioned that the event was controlled. Well, of course it was. Any private event hosted by an organization is going to be controlled. That's how it goes.
Miggie,
Your comparison is flawed. This is the United States, not Nazi Germany with Nuremberg laws. UCI is governed by US law, not Nazi law. And, by the way it is not governed by Shariah law either--at least not yet. If that is something you are concerned about, then UCI is certainly not the right place to focus your energies.
Gary compared the UCI video to Theresenstadt which was run by NAZIS, not by Jews. By that comparison, he is comparing the Jewish students who created the film to Nazis who tried to fool the red cross--which is so sad and deplorable. Also, what the Nazis tried to sell the Red Cross at Theresenstadt was a complete lie.
Are you saying that Jewish students at UCI are lying about how great Hillel and the other Jewish groups are?
The proper thing for Gary to do, would just be to apologize for making that comment.
You only like Gary because he is a non-Jew who agrees with YOUR point of view. Otherwise you would have no use for him. I have seen many of your blog comments over the years, Miggie.
Gary is no friend when he makes anti-Semitic comparisons and urges others not to make donations that go to students for advocacy training/pro-Israel programs, or to families in Orange County who have been so badly affected by the economic crisis that they are losing their homes and can't pay their bills.
Eventually, you and Gary and myself will be dead, and it will be these college kids in our shoes eventually. If we don't invest in them and their ideas today, and teach them how to lead (instead of trying to fix the problems for them), then we are in big trouble.
Like I've said, ZOA conitnues to do important work, and I still don't get how you can't value what the Federation is doing for the Jewish students on campus.
It sounds like you don't like them because they're not doing what YOU think is best. If I may ask, aside from raising awareness about the MSU, what are you personally yourself doing for the Jewish students at UCI to make sure they have best experiences while they are in college and graduate as strong Israel advocates?
You say the situation is getting worse and worse every year, so how have you and Gary helped improve the lives of the Jewish students who have been here the last five years?
I'm guessing not very much.
Please stop trivializing how important it is to take care of Jewish students while they are in our community at UCI, even if only for four years.
Zug,
I ask you again, when the group spoke in the lobby, outside of the auditorium, did you hear what was said by the parties?
Zug,
Keep implying that I am making anti-Semitic statements, and you will continue to make yourself look like a fool.
Of course, I am not comparing Jewish students to Nazis-that is a ridiculous statement and you know it. Who made the film-students or Hillel? Yes, Hillel is part of the problem because they insist that there is no anti-Semitism at UCI-and I have heard that straight from the horse's mouth in front of a witness as recently as last May.
I don't know who you are (your sign in name means only "Don't say anything at all" in Yiddish) (how appropriate), but if you want to initiate a community discussion about the OC Federation and OC Hillel on this blog, bring it on. The time for such discussion is long overdue.
"Zug Gornished". Du veyst gornished!
I personally know Gary Fouse. Calling him an anti-Semite is akin to admitting that you know nothing about nothing. It is sheer bollocks.
BTW; For those keeping score:
Zug Gornished means "don't say anything
"Du veyst Gornished" means "you don't know anything"
Zug,
Interesting that from your seat in the back of the room you managed to know the tone and content of the interaction that transpired between the security guard and the woman at the front of the hall. Superhuman hearing I suppose.
"Why are you lying? No one demanded that she leave the room. She was politely asked to speak with the security guard. She was not threatened at all." -November 6, 2010 1:36 PM
"I happened to be sitting in the back of the room where the woman was escorted." -November 6, 2010 3:05 PM
Zug, or can I call you "J"? Your account of the events at the Yudof presentation is inaccurate. Here are the facts: the disruption was initiated by the security guard singling out one woman filming the event. The second woman met up with them after they had entered the lobby. The "gentleman" from the Federation, Shalom Elcott, entered the lobby and menacingly demanded to know who the videographer was working for. Another man entered the lobby and said to Shalom: "I can vouch for her. She is not the enemy; you are fighting the wrong battle". It should be noted that everyone had to go through security before entering the hall. No video or other recording devices were confiscated (and there were many in the room) and no announcement was made before or during about restrictions about recording the event. Why was the one woman singled out and what was the Federation trying to hide? Yudof is a public figure. The woman who was filming was an invited guest, who is highly-regarded by many in the audience.
Finally, it is despicable to accuse Gary of anti-Semitism. He has for years fought harder AGAINST anti-Semitism than most Jews have. He is a righteous man and deserves to be lauded.
Zug,
You wrote these two statements:
"The Federation never fought the ZOA -- it was actually Jewish students who have opposed the ZOA. I actually have in under the authority that the ZOA and Federation communicate with each other fairly regularly for the last several years."
"Like I've said, ZOA conitnues to do important work, and I still don't get how you can't value what the Federation is doing for the Jewish students on campus."
Jewish students oppose the ZOA. Federation communicates with and compliments the ZOA. Federation is working for Jewish students (in addition to the community).
Do you agree that based on this logic, either the Federation should stop having relations with the ZOA, or it should try to improve relations between students and the ZOA?
- Anonymous2
I was not in the lobby when they spoke. I was sitting in the back corner with some of the UCI students. I only heard them until the lobbby door was closed.
After the program, I spoke to the people who were present and heard the conversations first-hand at both locations. No need for super-human hearing.
I ran out to the lobby to aid the woman taken out of the room. The account by Zug is completely inaccurate. I will not discuss the matter further in this type of forum. The communitty supports Gary and the truth.
Zug,
Look up Hotzaat Diba. In biblical times it was often equated to murder.
Gary has selflessly done more for the Jewish cause than most of the Jews I know. In my opinion the Fed is the Soderkommando & perhaps you are the not so little Judenrate. Back in my old country it always frustrated me how the "Community leadership" Always played gate keeper of information that was crucial to the wellbeing of our people. They just had no back bone. Nothing provokes more than weakness.
There are many Christians like Gary who are genuine, they're sincere, their love for Israel & love for Jewish people is rooted in the Bible that they believe. Christian leaders like Paster Hagee (CUFI) Who has unconditionally supported Israel in deed & action. He was also slandered until Rabbi Scheinberg supported him. Today they raise millions for Israel & so much more.
The fact is, for anyone that has been to that campus - It is riddled with hate for our people. There's no risk for people like you to criticize a Jew or Christian in today's world. You should walk with us next time on campus - Stare your enemy down. Install fear in him. Feel alive, proud & confident. Stand tall with zeal - I am a Jew!!
Maverick
Zug,
"After the program, I spoke to the people who were present and heard the conversations first-hand at both locations."
So you either spoke to one of the women or to the Federation as there were no other people present in the lobby.
Would you please identify who you spoke with and what you were told about what transpired in the lobby?
Making comments about Jews as a collective only caring about money is anti-Semitic. To identify the actions of an individual or single organization that only cares about money and also happens to be Jewish is not anti-Semitic. If the Federation is only concerned about money to the detriment of Jewish students and the Jewish community, this is problematic and must be exposed for the organizational and moral problem that it is. It is unfair to use one's Jewish identity to cry anti-Semitism in order to prevent legitimate criticism.
In 1955 the majority of black teenagers didn't experience violent acts of hatred. Emmet Till was the exception. But he was the exception that showed the true colors of the south at the time. A community in which a murder like his can occur and justice is not served in the courts because the victim was black is a community that needs to be fixed.
Not every Jewish student at UCI has to be attacked, had their rights violated, or feel intimidated to prove there is a problem on campus. Even if only one student experiences anti-Semitism, if this is not harshly condemned and no legitimate attempt is made to bring the perpetrator to justice, it says something about the entire UCI community and sends a message that Jew hatred will be tolerated. The fact that the reality on the ground is that it hasn't just been one anti-Semitic incident, but many to many different students, proves that this hatred is being tolerated at UCI.
This past February a racist event took place at UCSD, a "Compton Cookout." The majority of black students never saw it with their own eyes and black students have a vibrant cultural community through their Black Student Union. Despite this the Black Student Union recognized what this one incident demonstrated about the climate towards blacks on campus. (http://www.newuniversity.org/2010/02/opinion/black-student-union-statement-february-2010-ucsd-black-student-union-address-state-of-emergency/)
Shame on the Federation and Shame on Mr. Elcott and Mr. Feldman
Prior to commenting on the event which took place, I want to make it abundantly clear that my comments are based on the factual events of the incident with the young woman of which there is a video and audio record. The record indicates very clearly that the woman put up no resistance to the request to stop filming. The woman subsequently asked the security guard why he did not ask her to stop filming in her seat and instead and embarrassed her by making her walk through the entire hall as though she had done something wrong. His response was that the Federation said they did not know her. Unfortunately the security guard was lied to, as the woman is in fact known by the Federation. The woman visited the Federation earlier this year for a meeting in Mr. Shalom Elcott's office, with him present. After speaking to the security guard, the woman was okayed to return to the event without incident. It was then that the woman and the other woman who came to vouch for her, were subjected to rude and inappropriate questioning by the head of the Federation, Mr. Elcott. Additionally, Mr. Elcott's co-worker from the Federation, Jay Feldman was present, and absolutely knows both women, and yet allowed them to be treated rudely without intervening. For the person claiming the women were the ones who made a scene, I would be careful not to make such claims prior to knowing all of the facts, as the recording of this incident proves otherwise.
I take exception to the completely unfounded and inane suggestion that Gary is anti-Semitic. Criticism of the Jewish Federation does not make an individual anti-Semitic.
Whoever made such an assertion clearly does not know how supportive Gary has been of Jewish students who have had their concerns ignored by Jewish organizations and the UCI administration.
Reut is a recent Jewish graduate of UCI. Thanks for the support Reut. And thanks to all the rest of you who have spoken up in my defense.
While I have only met Gary a few times; it is clear, he is no anti-semite. I find it appalling to see this accusation. I am saddened by the infighting between the Federation and those who want to shine a light on the anti-semitism that exists at UCI. People like Gary (non-Jews who defend Jews and ISrael) are to be thanked and not vilified by the very community he tries to support. Shame on those who want to pretend nothing is happening on campus that is cause for concern. As a Jew, I am grateful for the Jews who stand up for us, when our own people are unwilling to do so.
Thank you, Nora.
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