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Comments (0)An Israeli think tank in a major new report foresees four “alternative futures” for the Jewish people.
By 2030, the state of the Jewish people will be either thriving, defending, drifting or a nightmare, according to the Jewish People Policy Planning Institute, which focuses on Jewish peoplehood and Israel.
“2030: Alternative Futures for the Jewish People” was presented last week by the Jerusalem think tank to a visiting delegation of American Jewish leaders and released Wednesday to the media.
Along with envisioning the “alternative futures,” the report presents recommendations to effect more positive outcomes.
It said that the Jewish people has never been as strong as it is today, in terms of military power and the global standing of Israel, and the “soft power” embedded in the political and economic powers of the Jewish community in the United States.
Among the report’s recommendations are strengthening Jewish identity; promoting a comprehensive peace in the Middle East; initiating Tikkun Olam (or social justice) enterprises; improving Israel’s standing globally; and establishing a Jewish leadership academy.
Jewish Student Groups Oppose Irvine Boycott Call
Five Jewish student groups at the University of California-Irvine do not agree with a call to boycott the university over campus anti-Semitism.
In a letter issued Monday, the groups said, “As students at UCI, we respectfully disagree with the ZOA’s position that students should stop attending UCI, and that donors should stop supporting the many programs at the school.”
“This is both counterproductive and one of the worst ways to deal with the Muslim Student Union (MSU) at UCI.”
The groups—Anteaters for Israel, Alpha Epsilon Pi, Chabad at UCI, Hillel at UCI and Alpha Epsilon Phi—called instead for “engaging in positive dialogue and peace-seeking efforts.”
The Zionist Organization of America last week in a statement accused the university of enabling bigotry and violating civil rights “by failing to condemn longstanding anti-Semitic and Israel-bashing speech and conduct on campus, and failing to enforce its own policies against the perpetrators.”
The group urged donors to stop supporting Irvine, which has long been a flashpoint in the campus pro-Israel wars, and for students to stop enrolling there.
The ZOA’s call followed a speech at the university by Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren, which was interrupted repeatedly by protesters. Eleven students were arrested.
The student groups’ letter also applauded campus police for arresting students who broke the law, and the university administration for “swiftly beginning the student conduct judicial review process which can result in suspension or expulsion.”
Calif. Lawmaker Wants Muslim Student Group Banned
A California assemblyman and U.S. Senate hopeful wants a Muslim student group banned from the University of California, Irvine.
In a letter to the university chancellor, Republican Assemblyman Chuck DeVore urged that the Muslim Student Union be banned from the campus, according to a report on Southern California Public Radio.
Members of the Muslim Student Union have been on the defensive since they disrupted a campus speech two weeks ago by the Israeli ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren. The members are facing disciplinary proceedings by the university and possible criminal prosecution.
DeVore, who is seeking the GOP nomination for the Senate seat now held by Democrat Barbara Boxer, also accused the student union of fund raising for Hamas.