Day of Dialogue in Columbia Addresses Rising Antisemitism in Higher Education

COLUMBIA, SC – A Day of Dialogue on Antisemitism

The capital of South Carolina was alive with discussions and ideas on September 9, 2024, as leaders gathered for a vital forum focusing on the growing concerns surrounding antisemitism in higher education. With reports of rising antisemitic incidents dotting the news, it felt more important than ever for state officials and educational leaders to come together and tackle this pressing issue.

The Forum: A Collective Response

The event, held at the University of South Carolina’s Pastides Alumni Center, featured a blend of higher education representatives, state officials, and even some international guests. The conference, organized by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), offered workshops covering a range of topics that reinforced the need for dialogue on antisemitism—everything from student experiences to the financial roots of these prejudices.

One striking point during the opening remarks was the acknowledgment of the protests that have occurred on college campuses since the intense situation unfolded in the Middle East last fall. On October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas on Israel led to Israeli military responses and significant casualties. The fallout from this situation has sparked passionate protests across various campuses in the U.S., particularly in states like New York and Massachusetts.

Rising Concerns in South Carolina

While South Carolina hasn’t seen the same level of on-campus protests, antisemitic incidents have seen a staggering increase. A report by the Antidefamation League highlighted a 193% rise in these incidents from 2021 to 2022. This has raised eyebrows, given the state’s long-standing support for Israel, evidenced by measures like the passage of the 2014 Iran Divestment Act.

Attendees at the forum included Governor Henry McMaster, who highlighted the importance of recognizing the nuances between criticism of Israel and outright antisemitic rhetoric. He stated, “In my time at the university, I’ve heard many speeches that I thought were just goofy and useless. I don’t know why anyone would invite someone to take up people’s time doing that.” This sentiment underscored the delicate balance in fostering free speech while combating harmful ideologies.

Voices from the Forum

Speakers at the forum ranged from esteemed university administrators to passionate philanthropists. Anat Sultan-Dadon, the consul general of Israel for the Southeastern United States, expressed concerns about how antisemitic sentiments seem to be gaining acceptance in public dialogue. She reflected on the stark contrast of mourning in Israel against the backdrop of protests in the U.S. that have, in some instances, paraded the same flags as those of terrorist organizations.

As discussions unfolded over light refreshments, participants shared their varied perspectives. Brandon Fish, the Charleston Jewish Federation community outreach director, appreciated the depth of conversation, stating, “Today provided much-needed clarity to university leadership about where those lines are.” He emphasized that there’s a marked difference between legitimate criticism of Israeli policies and outright antisemitism.

A Balancing Act for the Future

As the forum concluded, the air was filled with a sense of urgency and responsibility. Educational institutions, particularly the University of South Carolina, are now faced with the challenge of creating environments that honor free speech while safeguarding against hatred. The controversy over a soon-to-be-held event at USC featuring right-wing figure Gavin McInnes exemplifies these challenges. Critics point to McInnes’ past associations and comments, raising questions about the implications of allowing such figures on campus.

As every participant reflected on the discussions of the day, it was clear that the road ahead would require a commitment to open dialogue, education, and respect. With each passing meeting and event, leaders in South Carolina are stepping up to confront these unsettling issues head-on, determined to foster a more inclusive and respectful environment in their universities and beyond.

With clouds looming overhead and temperatures hovering around 83°F, Columbia’s residents could still feel a glimmer of hope that progress was underway, one conversation at a time.