In recent decades, a post-colonial approach has been gaining popularity on campuses, dividing the world according to gender, sexuality, and race. This approach pits those who suffered from colonialism (blacks, Africans, Muslims, Asians) against those who initiated it (whites). Whites are often seen as “privileged” or “victims,” while indigenous minorities are regarded as heroes. There is leniency towards these minorities when they break the law or engage in terrorism, while Jews, identified as white-privileged, are targeted for protests against their country, Israel.
Academia has embraced principles of post-colonialism and identity politics with enthusiasm, where truth and facts have become dependent on race and gender. Those who do not adhere to these principles are often condemned and dismissed. Courses promoting hatred of Israel have proliferated, along with intensive activity by Palestinian and progressive Jewish organizations seeking an academic boycott of Israel. Arab countries have also poured significant donations into academia to promote specific research topics and activities against Israel.
About twenty years ago, a global movement emerged to promote an economic, cultural, diplomatic, and academic boycott against Israel, inspired by the success of similar actions against South Africa. This movement focused its efforts on campuses, collaborating with left-wing, human rights, environmental, and Muslim organizations. The media, especially progressive outlets, have contributed to the demonization of Israel, presenting Palestinians as victims and Hamas as legitimate while ignoring Israel’s perspective.
In response to the boycott movement, official Israel has denied its activities and the growing anti-Semitism present on campuses. However, efforts have failed due to a lack of coordination between government ministries and conflicting messages. Establishing a national authority for information and combating anti-Semitism, free from political interests, could help address these challenges by collaborating with Jewish and Christian communities, research institutes, and civil society organizations to counter the biases against Israel. Prof. Eli Avraham, from the Department of Communication at the University of Haifa, is leading the fight against the academic boycott.