Virtue Signaling over Attacks on Israel

 I received this email from a higher education "organization" with which I am affiliated. Fortunately, I no longer have to be to continue my employment. 

Such arrogance that they thought the world needed their "statement." This is why academics are dismissed and sometimes despised.

Statement on the Israel-Gaza War

 

The XXX is deeply concerned and saddened by the recent outbreak of violence in Israel and Gaza and by the resulting loss of life. We express our sympathy for all those now caught up in the escalating conflict. 

(Note the removal of agency. The violence just broke out; no one committed it, apparently.)

 

XXXX also recognizes the profound effects of the crisis on Israeli and Palestinian scholars and students as well as on members of campus communities across the United States and around the world. As the horrific events in Israel and Gaza continue to unfold, (again, no agency) we call upon colleges and universities to promote free and open dialogue on the conflict and the issues underlying it. 

 

I saw a photo of a protest group with the sign "Queers supporting Palestine."  They obviously didn't understand what happens to sexual minorities there. This knee jerk support for Hamas based on supposed Israeli apartheid is perplexing--well, no it's not.  These young people get their news from TikTok. 

 

As a conservative somewhat influenced by Neocons, I support Israel. That doesn't mean they are perfect. The situation is long-lived and complicated. Palestinians have rights, but not equal. They also have agency and moral responsibility for the attacks; arguments that oppressed people get a pass on terrorism are onerous. I believe Israel, imperfect as it is, has given more than it has taken or withheld in this conflict. That Hamas's goal is death to Israel and all Jews should say something.