OPINION & EDITORIAL
Hillel rejects Horowitz
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by Letters to the Editor
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Our concern with Adam Lichtenheld’s opinion column on Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week ("’Awareness’ weak on Islamic reality," Oct. 17) lies in the conclusion that “campus groups like Hillel and College Republicans should take the initiative to co-sponsor an event…”
This comment suggests that Hillel had something to do with bringing David Horowitz to campus, and that as a Jewish organization, it is the responsibility of Hillel to justify and defend Mr. Horowitz. In reality, Hillel made a point of not associating itself with the speaker because it was deemed that his ideology does not represent our views.
Clearly, the author has little understanding of what Hillel actually is and the purpose of the organization. Hillel is an umbrella, community-center-like establishment that attempts to cover all aspects of Jewish involvement and interests — ranging from issues around the environment to socials to issues around Israel. Hillel is neither bringing Mr. Horowitz here, nor endorsing him, and it is unfair to clump Hillel with the College Republicans — who are sponsoring the events — and make them seem like a singular identity on the topic of Zionism and policy in Israel.
This assumption is ignorant and typical and only propagates bigoted ideas, like the concept of Islamo-fascism, that certain members of a group are capable of representing the thoughts of an entire community.
Sam Chasin,
Student Intern, UW Hillel
chasin@wisc.edu
Anonymous (October 18, 2007 @ 9:46am):
Adam Lichtenheld's column clearly shows he more ignorant than David Horowitz himself. But Adam's still in school, so at least he has a better excuse.
Anonymous (October 18, 2007 @ 10:21am):
I think it's amazing that UW-Madison, one of the better universities in the US, in a state that has a longstanding tradition of supporting its institutions of higher learning and assuring that its residents receive a quality education, could produce someone as ignorant as Adam Lichtenfeld.
Anonymous (October 18, 2007 @ 10:59am):
Adam's mistake in making the connection between Horowitz and Hillel only highlights the lack of initiative taken by Hillel to disassociate themselves from this event. You may wish to shrink away from this responsibility, but in doing so you are leaving your stance ambiguous and open to interpretation. Horowitz's main tome is the that Muslims hate Jews so we should hate Muslims, and Hillel (along with MSA) are the only student orgs who are capable of dispelling this notion at its core.
- JewBadger
Anonymous (October 18, 2007 @ 11:05am):
Great response, Sam.
Anonymous (October 18, 2007 @ 11:56am):
"similarities between the West's reaction to Soviet communism and Islamic extremism"
http://reason.tv/roughcut/show/69.html
But then didn't Socialist Jews also support the USSR?
Anonymous (October 18, 2007 @ 12:33pm):
"But then didn't Socialist Jews also support the USSR?"
Aren't all Wisconsinites fat and ugly?
Rebecca Dill (October 18, 2007 @ 4:37pm):
The Muslim Students Association is working on an event with Hillel and also the Lutheran Campus Center on Sunday at 4:00 pm to 6:00pm for a dialogue on prejudice. The MSA is also holding events next week as a counter to the prejudice view that is being displayed during Islamofacism week.
Tuesday 10/23 - Location TBA - 7pm - Contemporary Muslims in America, a panel discussion
October 24 - Location TBA - 7 pm- Hope not Hate Video screening
For more information contact uwmuslim@yahoo.com
Anonymous (October 18, 2007 @ 4:46pm):
google prophet of doom
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