Keep an eye on college campuses
Jewish families have always considered the availability of Shabbat dinners and High Holiday services as a criterion for selecting a college. Today, they must also consider the presence of the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel, and should expect hostility if they select a campus where BDS is active.
The presence of BDS groups such as Jewish Voice for Peace (a hate group that masquerades as a Jewish organization) and Students for Justice in Palestine is a strong indicator of a challenging campus climate. Last year, for example, Jewish Voice for Peace initiated a “Return the Birthright” program that pressures Jewish students to forfeit their opportunity to travel to Israel on the fully funded Birthright program.
Jewish publications must now assume responsibility to disseminate this kind of information to help families select a college where students can attend to their academic endeavors with minimal exposure to the antisemitism of the
BDS campaign.
MELISSA LANDA
Rockville
