Statement on the Newest Boycott Against NYU-Tel Aviv

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 28, 2021

Contact: Avi D. Gordon, Executive Director Alums for Campus Fairness

917-332-1185, [email protected]

Alums for Campus Fairness’ NYU Chapter (ACF-NYU) is concerned by the newest boycott effort targeting Israel in which the “Faculty of Color for an Anti-Racist NYU” released a statement committing to a policy of non-cooperation with NYU Tel Aviv.

The Jewish community at NYU has witnessed a sustained effort against Zionism as a part of Jewish identity. Last year, the Graduate Student Organizing Committee (GSOC) called to eliminate NYU Tel Aviv from the list of locations designated to support students in NYU’s “Go Local” option for fall 2020.

This newest attempt by faculty to commit to a policy of non-cooperation with NYU Tel Aviv is part of the cycle of repeated attempts to exclude, stigmatize, and boycott Israel. As NYU Spokesperson John Beckman stated regarding the GSOC boycott, this is “at odds with the tenets of academic freedom and the free exchange of ideas” and this must not be tolerated.”

As part of the larger Boycotts, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, this campaign to isolate NYU Tel Aviv not only contributes to an environment of antisemitism, but actively promotes antisemitism through the demonization and delegitimization of Israel, the nation state of the Jewish people. BDS and any form of bigotry have no place at NYU.

We will continue to support Jewish and pro-Israel students on campus and be resolutely engaged in taking action against this problematic organization. We will not stand idle as anti-Israel bias is legitimized. We thank the NYU administration for their continued support for NYU Tel Aviv.

About ACF: Alums for Campus Fairness (ACF) is America’s unified alumni voice on issues of antisemitism, demonization of Israel, and bigotry. With over forty chapters, ACF positions thousands of alumni on the front lines of key issues at their alma maters and works to ensure that universities remain pillars of open dialogue and equal opportunity for all students. For more information, please visit www.campusfairness.org.