Israeli Special Envoy for Combating antisemitism, Michal Cotler-Wunsh, has emphasized the urgent need for universities in the United States to address the growing support for Hamas and rising antisemitism on college campuses. In an interview with Digital, Cotler-Wunsh stated that universities, social media platforms, and elected officials are facing a “moment of reckoning” in which they must confront the moral ambiguity that has allowed this issue to persist for too long. As a human rights lawyer and Israel’s special envoy for combating antisemitism, Cotler-Wunsh recently traveled to the U.S. to shed light on the horrors of the war and how Israelis are responding to the ongoing conflict.
Cotler-Wunsh argues that it is crucial for colleges, elected officials, and others to reject the false moral equivalency between Israel and Hamas, as it only empowers “the war of terror.” She stresses that failing to call out this false equivalency not only empowers terrorism but also enables its use of fear, distrust, and disinformation as weapons. Protests both in support of Israel and in support of Hamas have erupted on major cities and college campuses across the U.S. Students and faculty groups at NYU and Harvard have taken part in demonstrations, with some blaming Israel for the war. However, Cotler-Wunsh highlights that these demonstrations have become breeding grounds for demonizing Jewish students and Israel, using principles such as free speech to apply double standards and delegitimize their rights.
The special envoy challenges the argument that Israel is an apartheid state, pointing out that it is a nation where Muslims, Christians, Druze, Bedouins, and others coexist peacefully. She believes that this false narrative enables the demonization of Israel and perpetuates racism. Cotler-Wunsh also raises concerns about academic programs funded by countries like Qatar that promote deeply antisemitic ideologies on university campuses, diverting from the core mission of teaching critical thinking.
Appointed just weeks before the war broke out, Cotler-Wunsh is determined to combat antisemitism not only for Israelis but for Jews worldwide. She commends both Jewish and non-Jewish individuals in the U.S. who are joining protests in support of Israel and considers them “heroes.” Cotler-Wunsh calls on universities to unequivocally denounce terrorism against Israel. She believes that if universities cannot denounce the atrocities and war crimes committed, it exposes a significant problem on their campuses.
In conclusion, the Israeli Special Envoy’s call to action highlights the pressing need for universities in the U.S. to confront rising antisemitism and support for Hamas. As the war in the region continues, it is crucial for institutions, social media platforms, and elected officials to reject false moral equivalencies and stand against terrorism. The envoy’s efforts to address and expose antisemitism globally are commendable, and she urges universities to unequivocally denounce the atrocities committed during the conflict.
