The Dangerous Abuse Of Free Speech On College Campuses

SOUTHBURY — B’nai Israel will present a special program about dangerous abuses of free speech on American campuses Sunday, April 25, beginning at 9:30 am. Guest speaker Avi Posnick, of Stand With Us, an international education and advocacy organization that helps students and parents to deal with the misinformation that often surrounds the Middle East conflict and the inappropriate, often anti-Semitic language, used about Israel and/or the Jewish people worldwide, will present a program expected to last about 90 minutes.

Each year in March, many colleges experience Israel Apartheid Week, when anti-Israel activists demonstrate against Israel. Often their demonstrations turn abusive and sometimes violent, making life extremely uncomfortable for Jewish and other students who disagree.

In February, Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren, invited to lecture at the University of California at Irvine, was subjected to raucous booing and shouted insults by an unruly crowd of anti-Israel activists who tried to deny him the right to speak. The incident was widely viewed on YouTube, and caused nationwide outrage.

“Not surprisingly, academic discourse is disregarded by those activists who disrupt free speech, as well as invert reality, by falsely labeling Israel ‘an apartheid nation,’” said Rabbi Eric Polokoff. “Nothing could be further from the truth. Israel is the only democratic nation in the Middle East that guarantees freedom — including freedom of religion — to all its citizens, Jews and Arabs alike. Arabs participate in Israel’s institutions, including the parliament and Supreme Court. Our kids must know the facts, lest ugly smears go unchallenged.”

The program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Reservations are encouraged, but not required.

B’nai Israel is at 444 Main Street North. For further information contact B’nai Israel at 203-267-3395 or BnaiIsrael@charterinternet.com.