More Problems at SF State University

I have recieved the below message from Alon Shalev, Executive Director of Hillel in San Francisco regarding another unfortunate event at SFSU. Once again, campus brown shirts have organizaed to harass Jewish students and disrupt their events. I am cross-posting it below.

 

As my regular readers know, I have been very critical of certain Hillel chapters. They differ from locale to locale, and the new national leadership has taken the position that so-called open Hillels (which have an open door policy to members who attack Israel) are unacceptable. I don't even know what the position of the SF Hillel is in that regard. At any rate, here is their account of the goings-on at SFSU.

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Dear Gary,

As you might have heard, last week we had a tough Yom Ha'atzmaut at SF State. On Tuesday, the General Union of Palestinians Students held a rally for Naqba (Disaster)

Day urging students to come and disrupt our Israel Independence Day. Then on
Thursday we held our celebrations.

 

The first two hours were great: we hosted a shuk (Israeli Market with food, spices,
games, and give-aways) and a live performance from local band Sol Tevel.
Hundreds stopped to sample the bourekas, rugelach and bamba, pick up
information, and dance to Israeli music.

During the final hour, a large group of pro-Palestinians entered the campus quad and held a counter-rally. They were extremely vocal and their chants extreme. As hundreds gathered to watch the spectacle, it became very tense.

 

Our students were amazing. They continued their singing and dancing throughout.
However, many told us afterward about how intimidating it had been. A few left
in tears. Ironically, at the end, several discussions broke out between our
students and pro-Palestinians. They were hard conversations, but conducted with
civility.

 

On Friday, we invited students to come before our Yom Ha'atzmaut Shabbat to discuss
what happened. Usually, a dozen students attend the pre-Shabbat conversations,
but this time over 40 students attended. I heard many talk of intimidation and
disappointment, but also determination to continue and share the beauty
of Israel and all its achievements. Our JAFI Israel Fellow, Sima
Toledano, facilitated the conversation and did an amazing job. She also phoned
every student she could remember was on the Quad to see if they were
okay.

 

After Shabbat service, we partied and ate schnitzel. The house was packed with
students setting up tables outside, downstairs and even in the garage! This was
the opportunity they were denied on Thursday - the chance to celebrate, to
retell stories of their experiences in Israel. Many of this year's Birthright
students, who leave in two weeks for Israel, attended both on the Quad and at
the Hillel House, and were swept up in the moment.

This past week was a clear reminder of why it is imperative for a strong and vibrant Hillel on
campus. We will continue to build bridges and coalitions. This year, we had our
first pro-Israel student elected to student government, launched the Connect
through Dialogue initiative, brought One Voice to campus, and participated in
Peace Week.

 

But this week also highlighted why Jewish students need a safe space to be
Jewish and explore their relationship with Israel. It shows why we need
to hire excellent and inspired staff.

As our financial year closes, please consider a gift if you have not already. We are a
small Hillel and every gift counts! Please click here.

Thank you to everyone who helps us teach our own students and the entire campus
community about Israel and the Jewish people. We could not do this without
you.  

Alon Shalev

Executive Director

If you would like to make your annual gift to support and invest in the Jewish students of San Francisco, please consider a gift on
line by clicking this link or sending a check to: 33 Banbury Drive, San
Francisco, CA 94132

If you have any questions or comments, please email me
at director@sfhillel.org