<p>My son is a Sophomore at Vassar and has felt a little uncomfortable with the Anti-Israeli activities and comments. He wrote a response to the WSJ which is in today’s paper. He feels that the Anit-Israel rhetoric is hostile misinformed and even permeates some of his classes. He had an incredible experience in Israel over winter break and does not feel comfortable discussing it on campus. However, this is not something that is specific to Vassar, it exists in many colleges and universities.The topic of Israel, the government, the myths and their realities is complex and nuanced. But do not pretend that you are having a balanced debate when one side is labeling the other incorrectly and with inflammatory language. Israel is surrounded by enemies; enemies who have one common mission; to destroy Israel. That is the reality. This is not something that many of the kids at Vassar understand from first hand experience. One does not have to agree with all Israeli policies to support their existence. And Hillel should NOT HAVE to give voice to the anti-Semites anymore than the women’s coalition should have to hear from rapists and sexists. But if they choose to open it up and it is the decision of the majority of the members so be it. </p>
<p>There is so much to love about Vassar for so many reasons. But this situation has upset me deeply as a Jew, as the mother of a student and as a Liberal. I told my son that something good was going to come out of this and it was going to make him stronger and help him to craft his arguments more carefully., Lets all try and learn from it and use the passion consturctively. That is what college shoudl be about: healthy debate not labelign the “other”</p>