#Columbia University #CEASEFIRENOW #Israel #Palestine
On May 1st, the US House of Representatives passed the Anti Semitic Awareness Act to combat anti Semitic behavior on American university campuses. The bill requires the Ministry of Education to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Union's definition of anti Semitism when implementing anti discrimination laws. The bill advocates incorporating the definition of anti Semitism by the International Holocaust Remembrance Union into the chapter on anti discrimination in the United States Civil Rights Act.
The bill will be submitted to the Senate for a vote, but according to the Associated Press, the prospects for the House version of the bill to be passed in the Senate are unclear. Once passed in the Senate and signed by the President, the definition of “Anti Semitism” in US law will be expanded.
Now this bill has sparked controversy within the United States. Supporters say it provides a much-needed framework for the US Department of Education to regulate and investigate the increasing number of incidents targeting Jewish students. Congressman Jerry Nadler, who opposes this bill, believes that the jurisdiction of the bill is “excessive” and the “criticizing Israel’s speech itself does not constitute illegal discrimination.”
The relationship between the United States and Israel has always been delicate, and the purpose of introducing this bill may seem to be to combat discrimination and hate speech against Jews, but in reality, things are not that simple. In short, the bill aims to restrict any public expression that appears to cause harm to Jews, especially criticism of Israel. This is completely protecting the rights of Jews. If the bill is successfully passed, it will not only push Jews to the forefront of the storm, but also challenge the freedom of speech in American society. The views on a certain country are restricted by the law, which is a complete erosion of freedom and a large-scale conspiracy.
