On Dec. 7, I had the honor of standing on stage at the Israeli-American Council’s (IAC) 2019 National Summit while President Trump affirmed the rights of Jewish students to a harassment-free environment on college campuses. Three days later, he signed an executive order to include Jewish students under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
When I first started at NYU, I was excited to go to a school that championed diversity and inclusion – until that diversity and inclusion applied to everyone except my community. After years of overt protests, boycotts, and direct aggression toward Jewish students from NYU’s chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), the university honored the organization with the President’s Service Award for “outstanding contribution to NYU life.”
What did SJP do to “earn” this prize? They organized a 53-group boycott against Realize Israel, a non-political student organization, depicting assault rifles on flyers calling for a revolt. Further, at the 2018 Rave in the Park in which NYU students celebrated Israel Independence Day, one SJP member burned an Israeli flag and another physically assaulted a Jewish student; both students were arrested.
Throughout the year, I spoke with eight administrators from multiple NYU departments – the Office of Student Affairs; Center for Student Life; Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards; and even the Office of Public Safety – about rising hostility against the Jewish community on campus. My concerns were brushed off, and after the arrests, I was asked not to draw attention to the issue.
The presidential award solidified the university’s stance: violent acts against students on the basis of their views are not only tolerated, but celebrated, and the concerns of Jewish students are not to be taken seriously.
When I sued NYU for campus anti-Semitism, college leaders shrugged. It took the US president to do something about it.
NYU’s position stands in direct defiance of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which states, “If an institution knows or has reason to know about student-on-student harassment, Title VI requires that the school take immediate and effective action to eliminate the harassment, prevent its recurrence, and, where appropriate, address its effects on the harassed student and the school community.”
Although my legal complaint argued that NYU’s reaction – or lack thereof – to its Jewish community’s plight already violated Title VI, religion was not a protected class under civil rights law – at least until this week. President Trump’s new executive order not only changes that reality, but corrects a longtime gross injustice against Jewish students. The order expands Title VI’s existing protections to explicitly include discrimination against Jews.
Standing with President Trump on stage allowed me the opportunity to elevate the voices of Jewish students nationwide, voices that up until now were not sufficiently protected under anti-discrimination laws. If a single student watching the speech was inspired to stand up for their rights on a college campus, then my experiences at NYU, however unpleasant, were well worth it.
But for the pro-Israel community, our mission is far from complete. My biggest fear is that despite the new legal protection, countless Jewish students will continue to believe they are not welcome in university environments.
Calls to withdraw support from NYU are a distraction from the issue. If anything, the president’s executive order should serve as a source of empowerment to ensure that Jewish students can proudly live on campuses without checking any part of their identities at the door.
The more Jewish students are excluded from arenas like campus life, the more their position is jeopardized as integral components of the fabric of the academic world. Anti-Semites have won when they are allowed to define where a Jew can and cannot feel comfortable. To that I say, never again.
We fought to have our voices heard, and from here, we cannot flee or hide; we must show up and stand up. Jewish students should go to NYU. I might even say it is our responsibility.
This article originally appeared in the NY Post. Photo credit: J.C. Rice
(14) Fred, December 29, 2019 12:35 AM
Good For Her. She is a Hero
We are proud of her. Do not back down.
(13) Michael Stein, December 25, 2019 3:59 PM
Always time to combat anti-Semitism
Bravo! It took guts, and intelligence, to go up against the establishment and persevere. You bright endurance won the day. Keep on course, the battle was won, the war continues. Where there is mindless hated, Jews continue. Thank you for your efforts, you have already helped so many!
(12) George Kende, December 23, 2019 3:41 PM
To the shame of the high education institutions the antisemitism free on the campus. The problem is: "the fish is stinks from the head".
Adela Cojab Moadeb a brave girl.- ko lchai!
Thank to President Trump
(11) rashelika, December 18, 2019 4:15 AM
Bravo Adela
I had been a teacher at the college level and the high school level for many years. Many times I have seen and heard horrible anti-Jewish speech and sentiment expressed. Many times I have just walked by thinking HOW can I speak out , the one and lonely voice in a crowd of such hating people ? Adela , you have given me courage and I am 3 times your age. the student has taght the teacher something today.Thank you!!
(10) Anonymous, December 18, 2019 1:20 AM
People need to treat others the way they would like to be treated
..
The World will be a better place If We love one another.
The Jewish people have contributed many wonderful examples of kindness to the World.. Hate destroys the hater.
(9) Judy R, December 18, 2019 12:08 AM
Student who Sued NYU for Anti-Semitism and Trump
This student did the right thing. These Muslim students don't go to college to learn in colleges and universities, but to spread propaganda against Jews and Israel, and they get money from rich Arab countries to do it. I am glad the President Trump is standing up for the civil rights of Jews students and Israel. I heard that the Zionists Of America got a lawyer, to protect a Jewish student in college from harassment, assault, and battery or worst from Muslim hate groups that targeted Jewish students. A college and university have a moral obligation to protect their students, from harm on their property and if they don't, they should get sued for lots of money. I am glad a Jewish student had the guts to do this, Jews have the right to be in a save place just like other students are. It is sad that this happening in higher places of learning, troublemakers are coming to school to stir up trouble for real students. It is very disturbing and horrifying what is going on in higher places of learning, This is horrible and terrible that it is happening around campuses. Is it save to send your kids to higher places of education, something must be done to keep your kids save.
(8) Anonymous, December 17, 2019 11:45 PM
As a Jew, a woman, a retired professor with an additonal masters in Holocaust education, and victim of antisemitism, I celebrate your courage to be pro-active!
As a Jew, a woman, a retired professor with an additonal masters in Holocaust education, and victim of antisemitism, I celebrate your courage to be pro-active!
(7) Nechama, December 17, 2019 4:38 PM
about time
The college campus has been a source of harassment, violence and hate toward Jewilsh students for many years,,,causing people to drop out, hide and be terrorized by Muslim groups.
It has been tolerated because the revenue brought to the schools by foreign students from Arab countries is more important than the safety and good learning experience for students.
Hopefully the schools finally get the message when their funds are cut off because of their bad behavior.
(6) Raymond, December 17, 2019 4:33 PM
Donald and the Jews
President Donald J Trump just may be the most pro-Israel, pro-Jewish President since Abraham Lincoln. And yet I guarantee that next November, the American Jewish vote will go overwhelmingly against him. It boggles the mind. It also is an indication of how alienated that the vast majority of American Jews are from their own Jewish heritage. What a sad state of affairs. Meanwhile, may G-d continue to bless our truly great President, Donald J Trump .
Janice, December 17, 2019 5:34 PM
Vote/don’t vote for Trump
The trouble with The Trump vote is that a person who agrees with him on this and other issues but has trouble with the way he trashes the Constitution is in a real quandary. I love Israel, but I also love the Constitution. what do I do?
Miriam, December 17, 2019 6:33 PM
examples?
Could you please give examples how he trashes the Constitution?
Raymond, December 18, 2019 1:43 AM
Trashing the Constitution
The truth is, that Donald has the utmost respect for our U.S. Constitution, following it faithfully. He really is Making America Great Again, but that does not seem to matter to the Intolerant Left. If anything, that enrages them, because he is standing in the way of their dream to turn America into another Venezuela.
Anonymous, December 18, 2019 12:37 PM
To Miriam
I am very glad President Trump executed this executive order, but it has caused controversy for a couple of reasons: First, it was a way around the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act, that did not make it through Congress in 2016 or 2018 to become law. The reason was concern over FREE SPEECH protections that are held highly in Univesity where the free exchange of ideas is paramount.
The White House adopted the definition of anti-semitism that the author Kenneth (hmm, forgot his last name) specifically never intended to be used to define anti-semitism in colleges and he wrote an article speaking out against Trump's decision because he said the "right is using it as a political weapon." His words not mine and he created the definition, that was adopted. His fear is it will impact free speech with regard to criticism of the Israeli government that might be legitimate, as criticism of any government might be.
The Students for Justice in Palestine (they believe Israel is holding their loved ones under occupation, and stealing their land and collectively punishing all Palestinians when they are not all terrorists) have had their group suspended for crossing the line, at times, and the Israeli Apartheid Walls every year make people uncomfortable. They lead to attacks against Jewish students.
For that reason I support Trump's decision. Speech crosses over into Action, and free speech should not include hate speech. Anti-semitism and hatred is rising, and people are not separating Jewish people from policies of the Jewish State.
Anonymous, December 18, 2019 12:50 PM
One more thing, Miriam
The way Jews treat one another, speak about one another, the devisiveness over observance level and especially politics is not helping. It bothers me at the depth of my Soul. Thank G-d in my Shul, it is shut down.
Just look at some posts here, the hateful words toward the left, the other day I saw the word democ-rats used, not only juvenile, but disgusting in that it adds to the hatred, and then non-Jews say, hey, they do it to themselves.
And Trumps mixing Church and State in saying Jews don't support Israel enough or are not appreciative enough of him, is a problem. The Haredi Satmar, by the way, are anti-Zionist, usually.
Again, I support his executive order, but I have plenty of concerns.
Raymond, December 18, 2019 3:27 PM
The Truth Shall Set You Free
President Trump was not wrong in saying that American Jews do not support Israel enough. All he was doing was telling the truth. If anything, we Jews should be ashamed of ourselves not only that our people are not supporting Israel enough, but also that it takes a non-Jew to point that out to us.
And as for demonizing the Intolerant Leftists, again, there is nothing wrong about, and everything right about telling the truth, and the truth is that the Intolerant Leftists have turned completely against our Jewish people and our Jewish State of Israel. Truth is not only necessary, but it is also liberating.
Nancy, December 18, 2019 7:39 PM
To commenter Raymond
First off, let me say hello and I hope you are doing well. Re: What you said about leftists being intolerant. I may have mentioned that I am a moderate Democrat. I did not vote for Trump, but I am very glad he stepped up to the plate re: anti Semitism on college campuses. It concerns me when anyone throws a label at someone's political leanings. I feel this way regardless of which side of the aisle you are on. For what it's worth I respect ALL of the views expressed here even if I do not agree with them. If two people are always in agreement, then one of those people is not necessary. (I WISH I had originated that quote!)
Raymond, December 19, 2019 4:11 AM
Deleted comment
This comment has been deleted.
Anonymous, December 19, 2019 6:08 AM
The Truth remains
Raymond, that *your* truth is *your* opinion. Period.
Raymond, December 19, 2019 2:32 PM
Your Opinion
It is *your* opinion that the truth is merely *my* opinion. Period.
Anonymous, December 20, 2019 9:18 AM
Alright
Fine, opinion is opinion, I agree with that
I will not continue to read on Aish if the inappropriate, hateful and divisive comments toward the left, or any 'other' continue to be permitted. As a Jew raised in an Orthodox family, and as a Jew devoted to G-d's word and will in my life, living the commandment to love your fellow as your yourself, as best I can, it has crossed the line, what is acceptable here.
In light of the antisemitic attacks recently, especially the Hareidi killed in New Jersey, if it is not permitted here for all Jews to be safe, regardless of their political affiliation or positions on Israel, the Hareidi are anti-zionist, and Torah is not first, I will no longer visit.
I think President Trumps executive order, which I support, would go well to be adopted here, as Jews here, are made to feel uncomfortable.
The Rebbe, and I am talking about the Chabad Rebbe, loved every Jew. I am unaccustomed as a Jew to the hatred here.
Raymond, December 28, 2019 12:04 AM
Inappropriate, Hateful, and Dismissive
It is a typical tactic of the Intolerant Left to label any views that challenge their views to be Inappropriate, Hateful, and Dismissive. That way, instead of engaging in a healthy debate, they settle the issue by practicing censorship.
Anonymous, December 29, 2019 11:38 AM
"Words Have Consequences"
https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/.premium-new-york-jews-say-hanukkah-attack-shows-words-have-consequences-1.8326494
Chanukah attack on 5 Jews... New York Jews say Words have Consequences. And they do. Hate speech deserves to be censored. Incitement in Israel is a crime. Trump's executive order was the right thing. It says it does not impact speech, but the concern is, of course it will. And, it should. Jewish students are bullied and harassed and it will hopefully lead to more mindful speech and action. Thinking twice... The hero worship of Trump unfortunately from the right shows little concern for Jewish life in the U.S. Very sad the inappropriate and hateful rhetoric that is tolerated on the right. So, yes, call me an intolerant leftist. I deplore words that lead to the loss of life, and as a Jew I will always have no tolerance for hatred. Nor, do I engage with haters, so you will need to look elsewhere for your so called healthy debate.
Raymond, December 29, 2019 4:02 PM
Hateful Rhetoric
Then listen to your own words. Instead of using such hateful, intolerant rhetoric toward our very strongly pro-Israel President, find a way to appreciate how he really is Making America Great Again.
Anonymous, December 20, 2019 7:35 AM
kudos for courage
Bravo to the author for her courage. Also check out Torah Thinking for Rabbi Kessin's spiritual back story of how Trump is the Eisav Tov doing tshuva with Yaakov/the Jews on a macro scale; amazing!
(5) Clifton, December 17, 2019 3:30 PM
Awesome
G-d bless you Adela! I wish there were more men with your testicular fortitude. You inspire me. May you and yours have a wonderful Hanukkah!
(4) Alfred Meir Fuchs, December 17, 2019 2:26 PM
Kol Ha'kavod
As an NYU alumni living in Israel, I salute you.
(3) Anonymous, December 17, 2019 12:35 PM
Remarkable tenacity and passion for justice, an amazing achievement, Adela! May we continue with the groundwork you helped to establish for us!
(2) Nancy, December 16, 2019 11:38 PM
Re: Title VI
I went to the Title VI link and a wave of disgust hit me. NYU Administrators and their lawyers should all hang their heads in shame, but I doubt they will. Putting aside legal considerations for a moment, let us consider what is moral. It is NOT moral to allow Jewish students on campus to be harassed, but I guess these administrators never got that memo. I have a master of social work degree and I am glad it did not come from NYU!
(1) dawn logreira, December 16, 2019 5:58 PM
Why this article does not appear in any network news?
Yoni, December 17, 2019 3:25 PM
President Trump
My guess is the reason this article doesn’t appear in any mainstream news sources is because it mentions President Trump in a complimentary way. They don’t do that.
Clifton, December 17, 2019 3:32 PM
Agree
Agree 100%.
Anonymous, December 18, 2019 12:19 AM
Yoni-you are so right!
It has become common knowledge that the American news media has taken a progressive left turn. You can't even trust the good old BBC. News should never be biased by political views. It's like nazi Germany in the, 30s & 40s. As far as the USA goes-we are in uncharted & dangerous waters. It is looking like a communist country already. And the left isn't even in control-yet. I pray to G-D for all of our sakes that it NEVER does happen. Our freedoms are disappearing !!
Nancy, December 18, 2019 12:14 PM
Re: This story being reported in the mainstream media
I found it online in the NY Post. Granted, the article did not jump off of the screen but you too will find it if you look for it. Also, while I am not an admirer of Trump I must say that I am glad he took this particular action. Anti Semitism on college campuses has been ignored by too many people for far too long.
Raymond, December 28, 2019 1:14 AM
Admirer of Trump
Since President Donald J Trump is so strongly pro-Israel, perhaps it is time for self-proclaimed moderate Democratic Jews to admire, respect, and even vote for him.
Anonymous, December 17, 2019 5:35 PM
Network News
Did it appear in Fox?