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A Fascinating Look Into the Rise of Campus Hatred and Antisemitism
Pro-Hamas protesters at Columbia University on April 19, 2024. Photo: Melissa Bender via Reuters Connect
The latest offering from Jewish Quarterly provides a timely and thorough exploration of the state of antisemitism in contemporary universities. It particularly focuses on the rise of campus activism and its implications for academic freedom.
Mindless: What Happened to Universities? features an in-depth essay by Professor Cary Nelson, a respected scholar and former president of the American Association of University Professors. Nelson’s analysis is well-researched and candid, illuminating the ideological shifts within higher education and their consequences for open discourse.
Nelson’s essay is a critical reflection on how academic institutions have evolved in recent years, particularly in response to anti-Zionist activism, antisemitism, and the broader politicization of campus spaces. He examines how university environments, which should be spaces for debate and critical thinking, have increasingly become arenas for dogmatic activism, often at the expense of intellectual diversity. He argues that the Gaza Solidarity encampments that spread across Western campuses in 2024 were symptomatic of deeper issues in academia — specifically, the growing resistance to debate and the framing of complex geopolitical conflicts in binary terms.
Nelson does not claim that student activism itself is problematic. Rather, he critiques the extent to which some protests have crossed the line into intimidation and exclusion for Jewish students. The essay provides extensive and unsettling evidence of antisemitic rhetoric emerging in protests, alongside surveys indicating that over half of Jewish students in the US felt unsafe on campus in 2024. His argument is not that all activism is inherently harmful, but that in many cases, the principle of free inquiry has been overshadowed by ideological conformity and naked political activism in place of scholarship.
One of the strengths of Nelson’s essay is that it does not rely on alarmism; rather, he builds the case methodically. He traces the historical trajectory of academic institutions, illustrating how certain disciplines have gradually shifted toward ideological uniformity, especially in their framing of Israel and Zionism. He also emphasizes how some faculty members have actively promoted activism that extends beyond protest to include calls for exclusion and censorship.
Nelson’s essay is an important contribution for readers looking for a balanced critique. While he clearly finds much of the current campus climate troubling, he avoids sweeping generalizations. Instead, he focuses on specific examples of how anti-Zionist activism has, in some cases, led to exclusionary practices and threats to the psychological safety essential for learning. The result is an essay that invites reflection rather than simply reinforcing entrenched positions.
A particularly valuable aspect of this work is its examination of the role that faculty and administrators play in shaping campus climates. Nelson provides examples of professors who have actively celebrated extremist rhetoric, as well as administrators who have been hesitant to confront antisemitism under the guise of protecting free speech. He contrasts this with past university responses to other forms of discrimination, questioning why antisemitism is often treated differently, especially within the context of a polarizing broader debate over DEI and identity politics.
At the same time, the issue does not present a one-sided view of faculty involvement. There is an acknowledgment that many academics oppose the radicalization of campus discourse but feel unable to speak out due to professional risks. Whilst highlighting increasingly politicized humanities and social sciences departments, his nuanced approach strengthens the essay’s credibility, as it avoids portraying all faculty as complicit or all students as antagonistic.
The past year has witnessed intense debates over free speech, antisemitism, and academic freedom. Nelson’s essay provides an important perspective on how these discussions are unfolding in higher education. Although it does not purport to offer all the answers to antisemitism, it presents a well-argued assessment of the challenges facing universities and offers possible solutions.
Furthermore, the issue underscores how the internationalization of campus activism has influenced these trends. With protests erupting across North America, Europe, and Australia, Nelson places these developments within a global framework, showing that these issues are not limited to any one country or institution. Nelson’s writing is clear and persuasive, and helps frame the discussion within a broader historical and intellectual tradition.
Mindless is an important read for anyone concerned about the future of academic institutions and the principles of free inquiry. While some readers may disagree with Nelson’s conclusions, his work’s strength lies in its commitment to reasoned debate. It does not demand agreement but encourages deeper reflection, which is increasingly rare in today’s polarized discourse.
This issue is well worth reading for those who follow developments in higher education or are concerned about the growing tensions around academic freedom and antisemitism. Jewish Quarterly continues to demonstrate why it is a respected voice in Jewish intellectual and cultural discussions, and Mindless is a testament to its enduring relevance.
Andrew Fox served for 16 years in the British Army (2005-21). He was a senior lecturer at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and is currently a research fellow at the Henry Jackson Society. Andrew provides regular commentary on defense and foreign policy across the media including articles in the New York Post, The Telegraph, The Spectator, and Spiked. He has amassed a large following across his digital platforms, including X (formerly Twitter) and Substack, where he writes on disinformation, defense and security.
Mindless is available at www.jewishquarterly.com
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Israeli West Bank Leaders Visit UAE on Historic Trip to Strengthen Economic and Political Ties
Yesha Council representatives meet with Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi in UAE. Photo: Israel Ganz’s X account
A delegation of Israeli leaders from the West Bank visited the United Arab Emirates this week on their first trip organized by the Yesha Council—an umbrella organization of municipal councils of Jewish settlements in the West Bank—to a Muslim country, in an effort to foster new alliances, the organization announced Thursday.
During the visit to Abu Dhabi, Yesha Council chief Israel Ganz, CEO Omer Rahamim, and Hebron Hills Regional Council head Eliram Azulay met with government officials, business leaders, influencers, and the Jewish state’s envoy to the country, Yossi Shelley.
According to local media, the Yesha Council representatives engaged in “direct discussions about economic and political opportunities in the region.”
“Our visit to the UAE is proof of the regional shift and the need for fresh thinking,” Yesha Council chief said in a statement.
“A new world order requires new alliances and out-of-the-box thinking,” Ganz continued. “Cooperation between nations, based on mutual respect and recognition of reality, is the key to strengthening our communities and securing a strong future for both countries.”
For the first time, we were invited as heads of the Yesha Council for an official meeting in a Muslim country.
The meeting with Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi in UAE was fascinating and opened a window to a genuine partnership based on principles of truth, thank you Dr. Rashid!
pic.twitter.com/IiTWGBYkS3
— ישראל גנץ – Israel Ganz (@israelganz) March 13, 2025
They also met with Ali Rashid al-Nuaimi, a member of the Emirates Federal National Council and chairman of its committee on defense, interior, and foreign affairs.
“This is a first step toward fruitful collaborations that will benefit the entire region,” Ganz said.
Upon returning from the trip, Hebron Hills Regional Council head said it was “incredible to see courageous leaders” who are interested in the development of Judea and Samaria.
“I met leaders who share our fight against Hamas, Hezbollah, the Muslim Brotherhood and Iran, including their civilian arms operating in Judea and Samaria,” Azulay said. “These leaders are not afraid to say openly that we must combat the Palestinian Authority’s education system, which promotes evil and hatred of Jews.”
“The direct connection established between our communities and senior figures in the UAE opens new opportunities for implementing the Abraham Accords in Judea and Samaria,” he continued.
Despite the war in Gaza, both diplomatic and economic ties between Israel and the UAE have remained strong.
Last year, annual Israel-UAE trade was reportedly projected to reach a record $3.3 billion compared to $2.95 billion in 2023.
Trade is mainly centered on diamonds, with precious stones being the largest exports between the two nations in 2022 and 2023. In 2022, Israel strengthened its defense ties with the UAE by agreeing to sell the SPYDER air defense system, made by the Israeli company Rafael.
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‘Shtisel’ Prequel Series ‘Kugel’ Attracts Viewers From More Than 100 Countries, Says IZZY Streaming Platform
Sasson Gabai sas Nuchem Shtisel in “Kugel.” Photo: IZZY
“Kugel,” the prequel to the international hit Israeli television series “Shtisel,” is already a success a mere two weeks after its first season premiered worldwide exclusively on the global streaming platform IZZY.
Written by “Shtisel” co-creator and award-winning writer and director Yehonatan Indursky, “Kugel” premiered on Feb. 28 on IZZY, which specializes in bringing Israeli content to audiences around the world. The show focuses on the charming but also scheming jewelry dealer Nuchem Shtisel, played by Sasson Gabai, and his 22-year-old daughter Libi, played by Israeli actress Hadas Yaron of Hulu’s “We Were the Lucky Ones.”
“When we realized we had an opportunity to be the exclusive global home of ‘Kugel,’ we knew this series could potentially be transformational for IZZY,” Nati Dinnar, the co-founder and CEO of IZZY, told The Algemeiner. “And it has already been just that for us, and it’s only been two weeks. Since we first announced that the prequel to ‘Shtisel’ was coming to our platform, we have seen our subscriber growth skyrocket with people signing on from more than 100 nations around the world. And the best part of this, truly, is that this is bringing further exposure to all the other great films, series and documentaries that we have on the service coming out of Israel.”
Unlike the Jerusalem-based “Shtisel” show, “Kugel” takes place in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community of Antwerp, Belgium. Nuchem is the brother of “Shtisel” patriarch Shulem Shtisel. “Kugel” is set years before Nuchem and Libi travel to Israel, where Libi falls in love with her future husband, Shulem’s son Akiva Shtisel, played by Michael Aloni.
In the first three episodes of “Kugel,” viewers see Libi’s life as she works as a teacher while aspiring to be a successful writer and hoping to get married. She also gets mad at her parents for divorcing and is worried about how it will affect her chances at finding love.
“She devotes all of her energy and resources to becoming a successful writer. But then, a chance encounter with an orthodox man on the Antwerp tram throws a wrench into her plans,” according to a synopsis of the series, provided by IZZY. “Libi must decide whether the path to success for her lies in marriage, love, or pursuing her dream of being an author.”
In the first three episodes, viewers also understand why the show is called “Kugel” and the significance of the Ashkenazi potato-based dish. Nuchem loves visiting a local husband and wife-owned restaurant that serves kugel and his favorite part is the burnt sections. When the restaurant’s owner suddenly dies, Nuchem befriends his widow Pnina Baumbach, played by Israeli comedian Rotem Abouhab. She inherited the restaurant and Nuchem partners with her to reopen the establishment. He finds a new passion helping with the restaurant but also gets romantically closer to Pnina while navigating his divorce.
“Kugel is a show that wants to tell a story — a funny, heartbreaking, human story—to remind us how each person is
unique, a once-in-a-lifetime noodle in the great sea of noodles that makes for one big, brown, Jerusalem-style kugel. A bit spicy, a bit sweet,” said Indursky.
“Shtisel” followed members of the Shtisel family living in an ultra-Orthodox community in Jerusalem. All three seasons of the show were previously available for viewing in the US on Netflix but earlier this year Amazon Prime Video acquired the series.
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Humanitarian Organizations Operating Within Israel Are Spearheading Efforts Against Jewish State, Report Finds
Youths take part in the occupation of a street in front of the building of the Sciences Po University in support of Palestinians in Gaza, during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Paris, France, April 26, 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
Anti-Israel non-govermental organizations (NGOs) are exploiting the Israeli visa law to spread propaganda within the Jewish state, according to an analysis by NGO Monitor.
NGO Monitor, a Jerusalem-based research institute which scrutinizes the activity of international non-governmental organizations, compiled a report which alleges that hundreds of NGOs within Israel are promoting political advocacy under the guise of “humanitarianism.” NGO Monitor argues that Israel should “thoroughly vet” organizations that apply for visas to operate within the Jewish state.
“Israel must thoroughly vet organizations applying for humanitarian visas. This assessment was understood as necessary to ensure that visa recipients implement projects in accordance with the stated purposes of their visas and that their activities serve humanitarian objectives – as opposed to furthering politicized agendas and campaigns.”
Many organizations registered under Israel’s Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs enact programs under the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA)—an agency which purports to “mobilize aid, share information, support humanitarian efforts, and advocate for crisis-affected communities.” Although the UNOCHA lists its objectives in other beleaguered, war-torn countries as “saving lives” or “overcoming hunger,” the agency declares that its mission in Gaza is to secure, “The rights of Palestinians living under occupation, including those living under the blockade and other restrictions, are protected, respected and promoted in accordance with IHL [International Humanitarian Law] and IHRL [International Human Rights Law].”
For instance, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and Diakonia, prominent humanitarian organizations that mostly operate within the West Bank, have spent the 16 months following the Hamas-led Oct. 7 slaughters, “almost entirely focused on condemning Israel for its response in Gaza,” according to NGO Monitor. Despite presenting themselves as an unbiased humanitarian organizations, they have spearheaded a litany of legal efforts against Israel, including “ filing thousands of cases in Israeli courts, causing gridlock, as well as furthering joint [Palestinian Authority and European Union] goals to expand Palestinian control in [West Bank Area C]” and publishing legal briefs encouraging other nations to “exert pressure on Israel to end ongoing violations of [International Humanitarian Law].”
In addition, these organizations also encourage the implementation of international sanctions against Israel, oftentimes backing efforts such as the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement. The report alleges that NRC produced a publication in 2023 which suggested “utilizing strategic measures like sanctions in trade relations or attaching conditions to trade agreements” against Israel in hopes of forcing the Jewish state to authorize Palestinian construction in Area C of the West Bank. In addition, the report states that Diakonia funds the Swedish chapter of the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI), which allegedly “sends activists to the West Bank, where they document alleged Israeli human rights violations.” The data compiled by EAPPI is then “ incorporated into UN reporting” and also referenced in campaigns which call for the implementation of economic sanctions against Israel.
Furthermore, several NGOs mentioned in the report allegedly fostered ties to internationally-recognized terrorist organizations and terrorist members. NRC has collaborated with other NGOs which are linked to terrorist groups such as the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), according to NGO Monitor. Mohammed Al-Halabi, an employee of World Vision—a humanitarian organization which works alongside “local church and community leaders” in Gaza—was accused of “diverting funds and materials to Hamas for terror purposes.”
The report suggests that Israel “formulate a clear and comprehensive definition of what constitutes humanitarian activity” for NGOs wishing to operate within the boundaries of the Jewish state. In addition, NGO Monitor states that Israel should build a database to track and observe humanitarian efforts within Israel. Moreover, the group argues that NGOs must be forced to “improve transparency” by outlining project goals, revealing partnerships, and disclosing grants.
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