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Some politicians around the country have recently introduced legislation or called for a ban on sharia law in some states, and also on the federal level, at least partially motivated by the belief that radical Islam poses a threat to US security. This legislation is part of a larger battle that is brewing around the tension between freedom of speech and the rights of those being oppressed by that free speech. In this case, specifically, the many dangers of antisemitic hate are being advanced, at least in part, through hate speech.
This issue has been highlighted repeatedly across the US and the world. I recently saw it come to a head at my alma mater, Indiana University. Many professors claimed the right to anti-Zionist, hate speech even in the classroom, as described in this JTA article. They lined up to fight a supposed assault on free speech and the resignation, perhaps forced, of the former director of the Jewish Studies program. However, the complete disregard by some of the champions of free speech at universities across the country for the rights of Jewish students and faculty to feel safe on the campus is not only alarming, but could and has led to physical harm. Antisemitism and anti-Zionism are being cloaked in the gown of free speech without regard for academic integrity or the needs of those being victimized.
Across the country and the world, the importance of enshrining freedom of speech is coming into direct conflict with the responsibility to protect the safety and security of all. This tension leads to what some call an inappropriate and harmful reaction, while others would say they are finally being protected from antisemitic and anti-Zionist violence. In the past weeks, citizens from many countries have demonstrated their support for Israel and/or their willingness to stand up to hate, often because of their own fear of growing Islamic extremism.
There have been marches against terrorism in many cities around the world. Grassroots groups are marching against and governments are beginning to impose restrictions on sharia law and/or the wearing of the burqa and niqab in the form of public restrictions on face-coverings. At least 24 countries, both liberal democracies as well as dictatorships, Muslim and non-Muslin dominated countries including Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Sweden and Turkey, have legislated some restrictions on full-face coverings in public places and/or buildings. These bans have mostly been motivated by backlash against terrorism.
In the weeks to come this complex debate about the limits of free speech when it impacts the rise of antisemitism and endangers the public good are likely to continue. And the question of how we as rabbis and leaders can create communities rich with Jewish life and tradition will be paramount.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Sue Silberberg
ZRC Director of Program and Operations
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