It’s hard to believe that in the year 2019, issues that seemed to be a thing of the past are not only still a part of our world, but growing in intensity. This week, I received several emails pertaining to BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) and anti-Zionism. The movement against Israel has become rampant on college campuses. A form of anti-Semitism, BDS promotes hate against the state and its people. Many college students feel a sense of fear and uncertainty as a result of this movement.
What is frightening is that many of the proponents of BDS are basing their opinion on distorted facts. We have a responsibility to educate ourselves and the general community about a topic before we repeat and spread erroneous information.
Too often, when people find themselves in a position where they have encountered something that is inaccurate or inappropriate, they take the position of “I didn’t know.” In today’s world, ignorance is not bliss.
There is a plethora of resources available to help educate the public about anti-Semitism, BDS, and issues pertaining to Israel. JFNA (Jewish Federations of North America) – which your campaign dollars help support – offers several avenues for education and information through JCPA (Jewish Council for Public Affairs) and IAN (Israel Action Network).
Both JCPA and IAN address current issues plaguing Jewish people in Israel and throughout the diaspora. They offer informative webinars, videos, articles, and more which we can use to help offset any misinformation.
Education is one of best tools we can have in our toolbox. While I don’t see an end to anti-Semitism anytime in the near future, we can utilize resources like the ones that JFNA offers to help combat it.
Click here for a video from IAN about BDS
Click here for information and to register for JCPA’s “Israel 202” Israel policy forum
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