Israel’s Minister of Economy and Industry, Nir Barkat, has issued a warning to American universities, urging them to take action against antisemitism on their campuses. In an interview with CNN, Barkat stated that schools that prioritize financial gain over doing what is right will face serious consequences. He revealed that his recent discussions with US lawmakers during his trip to the country indicate that there will be legislative efforts to combat antisemitism in educational institutions.
Barkat emphasized that universities failing to address this issue would face repercussions, as many donors, including those from Ivy League schools, would withdraw their support. This comes in the wake of increased tensions on college campuses following last month’s Hamas terror attack on Israel and the subsequent Hamas-Israel war. Students have organized numerous protests and counterprotests, some of which have turned violent. The FBI has launched an investigation into violent antisemitic threats made against faculty members at the University of Pennsylvania, and trucks displaying the names and faces of students allegedly linked to anti-Israel statements were seen near the Columbia and Harvard campuses.
Barkat attributed the rise in antisemitism worldwide, particularly in the United States, to the Hamas attack. He highlighted the dissatisfaction expressed by influential donors at Ivy League schools, who have pledged to cease their donations. Private-equity billionaire Marc Rowan has led a campaign calling for a leadership change at the University of Pennsylvania, with former US Ambassador Jon Huntsman, “Law & Order” creator Dick Wolf, and private equity executive Edgar Bronfman, Jr. among those who have promised to halt their contributions.
When asked about the donor backlash, Barkat stated that donors have internalized the significance of the October 7th attack. He stressed the need for a change in attitude and a commitment to fighting antisemitism in all areas, including on college campuses. Barkat, who is also a founder and former chair of cybersecurity firm Check Point, emphasized the importance of combating the will to terrorize and rejecting attempts to eliminate the only Jewish democratic state.
Under pressure from donors, some universities have implemented new measures to address antisemitism and hate. Columbia University announced the establishment of an antisemitism task force on November 1st, while the University of Pennsylvania unveiled an action plan on the same day. The president of the University of Pennsylvania, Liz Magill, condemned antisemitic messages posted on campus buildings, describing them as an assault on the university’s values.
Barkat expressed his gratitude for the strong support for Israel that he witnessed during his visit to New York and Washington. He stated that there has been bipartisan support in Washington, unlike anything seen in decades. However, Congress has faced challenges in delivering a proposed $14 billion emergency aid package to Israel due to political disputes. Barkat emphasized the importance of this aid package in helping Israel win the war and praised President Joe Biden for his unwavering support.
In conclusion, Barkat’s warning to American universities highlights the growing concern surrounding antisemitism on college campuses. The potential withdrawal of financial support from prominent donors serves as a significant wake-up call for educational institutions to address this issue effectively.
