We are sharing with you a communication from University of Michigan Hillel to its students regarding anti-Israel BDS activity on campus. We applaud UM Hillel for its diligent planning and tireless efforts in combatting BDS. The purpose of this message is to inform our community about the issue, and to ask for your help in showing support to our students by signing this petition.
As you may know, an anti-Israel divestment resolution was introduced earlier this week at the Central Student Government (CSG). A debate and vote regarding the resolution will take place next Tuesday, November 14. In response, Hillel is working with students to empower them to speak in opposition. Several trainings have already taken place, and more will follow in the days ahead, to prepare students who desire to raise their voices. In doing so, Hillel works in partnership with a network of campus professionals who have vast experience in dealing with this issue nationally.
The counter-BDS campaign will emphasize that the resolution is unfairly one-sided and divides campus. Furthermore, during a difficult and divisive time for our country, and when campus is dealing with related issues, CSG voting in favor of the resolution would only further divide students.
We are disappointed that students are again facing a divestment resolution and we know this is troubling for so many members of our community. We wish to emphasize that this is a student matter, to be addressed by the students. However, alumni and community members can play an important role off campus. We urge you to sign the petition linked here in opposition to the resolution.
Thank you for your participation and for your support of our students at the University of Michigan.
Beverly Liss
President, Jewish Federation of Detroit
Alicia Chandler
President, JCRC | AJC
Scott Kaufman
CEO, Jewish Federation of Detroit
David Kurzmann
Executive Director, JCRC | AJC