In a recent development, Israeli Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli penned a strongly-worded letter to Princeton University in New Jersey, expressing his concerns and condemnation. The letter came in the wake of reports that a humanities course at the institution had content that baselessly claimed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) participated in organ harvesting and intentionally inflicted harm on Palestinians for monetary gains. Minister Chikli, who also holds the portfolio for combating antisemitism, has called upon the university to reconsider the course material and exclude the mentioned book from its curriculum.
The Minister articulated his concerns, stating, "Promulgating false information and disseminating antisemitic sentiments not only tarnishes Princeton's esteemed reputation but also raises pressing questions about its academic integrity." Princeton, renowned for its scholarly pursuits, has always advocated the relentless quest for truth as a cornerstone of academic excellence. Minister Chikli’s letter to Prof. Christopher Eisgruber, the president of Princeton University, further emphasized his duty as a guardian against prejudice and bigotry aimed at the Jewish community and Israel.
“This delusional and fase accusation is nothing but a modern-day antisemitic blood libel.”
— Arsen Ostrovsky (@Ostrov_A) August 13, 2023
Letter from Israel’s Minister of Combating Antisemitism @AmichaiChikli to @Princeton, calling to remove this vile antisemitic book from its curriculum. https://t.co/pIW99C9vVs pic.twitter.com/okZ3HnyVNi
Diving deeper into the contents of the contentious book titled 'The Right to Maim: Debility, Capacity, Disability’ by Prof. Jasbir Puar, Chikli expressed his dismay. He pointed out the explicit suggestions made in the book, accusing Israel of a strategic agenda to harm Palestinians. The Minister equated these baseless accusations to the historical "antisemitic blood libels," adding that such claims do not foster a spirit of open academic discourse or freedom of expression on campus. Instead, they risk engendering a divisive and hostile environment, especially for Jewish and Israeli students.
Chikli's impassioned plea underscores the urgency of his request, especially given the current global climate where antisemitic sentiments appear to be escalating. He hopes that Princeton University, being a bastion of intellectual pursuits, recognizes the severity of the issue at hand and takes prompt corrective measures. His appeal includes not only the removal of the specific book from the academic curriculum but also a comprehensive review of the content in related courses.
Welcome to one of America’s top educational institutions, Princeton … where they teach that “Israel harvests Palestinian organs”
— Adam Milstein (@AdamMilstein) August 7, 2023
No, it’s not a joke. This blood libel is actually on the syllabus for a humanities course this coming year. https://t.co/XQ6U7My84c
In conclusion, Chikli emphasizes the need for educational institutions to uphold principles of academic integrity, ensuring content is devoid of any discriminatory undertones, be it antisemitism or any other form. The international academic community now watches closely, awaiting Princeton's response, as this incident underscores the delicate balance between academic freedom and responsibility.
