Praise and commentary on the UC iFest 2008

I have to praise Hillel, Jewish Federation, Anteaters for Israel, AEPi, and Epsilon Phi for putting on the 2008 UC iFest. My only participation was as a spectator for the "Israeli" Shabbas Dinner, but this video shows what they did over the past week.

Educating the students, faculty, administration, staff, and local community members with the positive facts about Israel was a great step.

The hookah smoking and nightclub partying...well...I can only chalk it up to them being from a younger generation.

On Yom HaShoah, one of the powers-that-be in the campus Jewish leadership announced that the iFest events would include educating the Jewish students on questions to ask the anti-Semites that are coming to campus. I've talked to two different individuals who regularly spend time on campus, and both said that they did not see this.

Maybe it did happen, and both of them missed the event(s). If it did, great - I look forward to seeing the results of those efforts. But if that did not happen - if the education was merely a litany of positive facts about Israel - then I must express my concerns.

Positive facts are an important part of the process of combating anti-Semitism. But the MSU's speakers work from an irrational standpoint, and the positive facts are going to only get the students so far.

So, let me offer up some suggestions for the students. Check back on these pages, as I don't have time right now to link everything.

• Myths and Facts - a most valuable resource for a lot of the schlock dished by the anti-Semites


• Film or audio record the anti-Semites, whether they're indoors or outside; you have a right to do so as UCI is a public university, and as long you are doing it quietly and peaceably, nobody is allowed to stop you. Post the video online and then post a comment with a link to the video in the latest blog post such as this one, Red County, or Reut R Cohen's.
  
  Not that they won't try; rumor has it Nida Chowdhry, the UCI MSU's Public Relations Board member, as well as some blond burly Russian guy - tried to stop people from filming Wednesday night's Norman Finkelstein event. To paraphrase (perhaps quote) Lee Kaplan of Stop the ISM, there is no such thing as a secret society on a public university (read: UCI) campus. On top of that, only a judge can legally force you to erase any recording you make; so if the police, administrators, or the MSU tell you to erase a recording you've made, politely tell them "no". If you get arrested for quietly and peaceably recording events, or if the police confiscate your camera equipment and tamper with your recordings, the lawyers will have a hayday making mincemeat of the other side.


• Know the campus policies - I'll post a compendium of applicable policies later, but for now, here's a link to the UCI implementation of the UC-wide policies and the UCI Principles of Community. We play by the rules, so there's no reason why the MSU or anybody from UCI shouldn't.


• If you experience anti-Semitism, or know someone who has, you need to report it. First, if you or someone else is injured, call 9-1-1 ASAP or get to a medical facility.
  
  Next, go here to get a list of email addresses to contact; give details such as who was there (people involved as well as bystanders), when it happened, where it happened, what happened.
  
  Also, tell a leader in Hillel immediately. I have received assurances from a prominent board member that Hillel will make sure to do whatever it takes - filing complaints, following up, contacting attorneys - if the university administration does not take your complaint seriously. If the Hillel doesn't do its job - or if it tells you to suck it up or, even worse, calls you a troublemaker - call the ZOA at 212-481-1500 and ask to speak to Susan Tuchman.
  
  In case you're wondering why I'm so suspicious of Hillel and the UCI administration, it's because of my own experiences. I'm hoping this iFest event is evidence that Hillel has changed their ways.

NewU Feature: Different Religions Gather to Give Thanks

So much for interfaith - the MSU declined their invitation:

While there are individuals of the Islam faith attending the Thanksgiving service, members from the Muslim Student Union, however, will not be attending the prayer service.

“As Muslims we thank God every day and during every prayer; combining our thanks for God’s many blessings to one day is not enough,” said Mohamed Galal, a fifth-year chemical and computer engineering double-major and president of the Muslim Student Union.

That's a bunch of B.S. and they know it.

Link to article

Features
Different Religions Gather to Give Thanks
By Yolanda Vo
Staff Writer

Thanksgiving is just days away as most of us anticipate spending time with our families and eating delectable dishes that are only served once a year. However, Thanksgiving is more than just a get-together and yummy foods—it is a time to give thanks.

UC Irvine students of all religious backgrounds will be gathering together for the “Interfaith Thanksgiving Prayer Service” on Tuesday, November 21 at 5:00 p.m. in the Interfaith building adjacent to the engineering Interim Classroom Facility. Students will give thanks in their own personal way, native language and in a manner that is reflective of their religion.

“The individuals attending the service include the Baha’i, Christians – including the Catholics, Chi Alpha [campus fellowship], Episcopalians and Latter Day Saints – Jewish and Muslims,” said Director of Interfaith Nancy Jenks, who has been involved in Interfaith for 30 years. “The Interfaith Thanksgiving Prayer Service is an annual tradition and we ask any faith to be present. We’ve had it for about 20 years.”

The prayer service, which was started by Jenks, allows students and staff to reflect on the things that they are grateful for in an environment in which there is no tension among religions.

“The chairs are arranged in a circle with one large, lit candle in the middle for the prayer service. There are little candles on each of the chairs and everyone lights their candle from the center candle,” Jenks explained. “Afterward, we have a buffet of fruit, cheese and punch. We’ve been doing it like that since the very beginning.”

Alex Chazen, a third-year political science major and president of the Jewish Student Union Hillel, also expressed his satisfaction that different religions can gather together for an evening.

“I went last year and will be going this year,” Chazen said. “I think it’s a good example for all religions to work together and have inclusiveness.”

While the format of the Thanksgiving service remains the same year after year, each new Thanksgiving prayer service brings its own unique experience.

“You never know what direction it will take. It’s always really special. And there’s always something that will make you cry,” Jenks said.

The event accommodates each religion and welcomes individuals to read from their religious doctrine and in any preferred language.

“It’s cool hearing everyone read from their religion’s text and in a different language,” said Sarah Killian, president of the University Catholic Community. “It’s the only event I know that different religions can use their own religious texts, whereas usually they can only do so at their own religious services.”

Hooman Eghterafi, who graduated from UCI last year, has attended the Thanksgiving prayer service since his sophomore year as an undergraduate.

“I love the atmosphere,” Eghterafi said. “I’m trying to get as many people from the Baha’i club as I can. We’ll elaborate on God, religion and mankind and recite a prayer of unity.”

While there are individuals of the Islam faith attending the Thanksgiving service, members from the Muslim Student Union, however, will not be attending the prayer service.

“As Muslims we thank God every day and during every prayer; combining our thanks for God’s many blessings to one day is not enough,” said Mohamed Galal, a fifth-year chemical and computer engineering double-major and president of the Muslim Student Union.

The Interfaith facility was established in 1965 and provides a place for students, faculty, and staff from any faith to be involved in faith-based activities, attend religious services, and interact with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Interfaith runs as an independent, non-profit organization that is supported by donations from community members, businesses and organized religions and is not funded by UCI.

NewU: Interfaith Forum Strays to Politics

The NewU's article on the Religious Diversity event that I blogged about previously.

I've emboldened and italicized sections that I found of interest. I should also note that Dean Peterson and the Student Affairs department held religious diversity events all of Fall 2004 quarter, and within a month into the following quarter (Winter 2005), the MSU brought Amir Abdel Malik Ali back to campus again so he could educate the campus how Zionism controls America. [sarcasm off]

I'm sure that the knowledge and understanding that could have been gained from this event will fall on deaf ears and history will repeat itself very shortly with more anti-Semitism from the MSU and their partners in crime, the SAS and SPJ.

To the members and leadership of the MSU: please prove me wrong, because I'm right far too often.

Link to article (includes a photograph)

News
Interfaith Forum Strays to Politics
RELIGION: Panel with leaders from three monotheistic religions cannot avoid politics in their discussion.
By Emilie Doolittle
Staff Writer

Despite organizers’ and panelists’ hopes for a dialogue focused on the philosophical and spiritual aspects of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, politics could not be excluded from the Religious Diversity Interfaith Dialogue on Nov 1. Panelists representing each of the three major monotheistic religions discussed the societal implications of their Abrahamic faiths.

Dean of Students Sally Peterson, who moderated the event, asked the panelists what they were critical about within their own religions. All three panelists said that they disliked it when people within their faiths were exclusive.

“People do not have the kind of life to include people the way Jesus did,” said Pastor Emeritus Gary Barmore of Fairview Community Church in Costa Mesa. “I think to follow Jesus is to have a radical inclusion. What I see in Christianity, the attitude is to have a radical exclusion.”

Later, he said, “I wish that Christians were not militant, aggressive, [seeking] out to evangelize, but offer[ing] ourselves to be a part of the bridge of reconciliation in this world.”

Iman Sadullah Khan, executive director of religious affairs at the Islamic Center of Irvine, referred to the differences between Muslims and Christians in how they engage in dialogue.

“Though Islam has the concept of ‘Ahlul Kitaab’ or ‘People of the Book,’ implying a special relationship with people of the Christian and Jewish faiths, it bothers me that many Muslims are not ususally the most open to embrace others. In fact, I find the Christians more open to this notion of embracing the other,” Khan said.

Rabbi Richard Steinberg of the Congregation Shir Ha-Ma’alot in Irvine said that he does not like it when people in his faith assume they have the final answer.

“It will be the death of religion if they become fundamental in their thinking,” Steinberg said.

The first question from an audience member was, “What do you think about the existence of the nation of Israel?”

Steinberg said that the Palestinian people have a right to land, peace and freedom, but he did not specify what land they have a right to.

Speaking from a spiritual perspective, Barmore said that “one’s faith should influence how one acts politically and economically, but one’s faith does not determine the exact means of what that has to be.”

Khan spoke about the varying attitudes of religious groups and publications at UCI, and expressed concern for how they present their thoughts on the existence of the state of Israel.

“To heighten certain things, to darken certain things is part of the problem,” Khan said. “Sometimes we are not prejudiced but we are left in darkness.”

“I think we must we must stop confusing Judaism as being the same as Zionism and we must stop assuming that being critical of the Israeli government implies being anti-Semetic,” Khan said. “The government is causing the problem, not Islam or Judaism.”

Steinberg said that he has also had problems with the Israeli government at times. He also agreed with Khan’s points about how UCI students are addressing social, political and religious issues relating the state of Israel.

“Words are very powerful,” Steinberg said. “The university should take a greater leadership role in monitoring those words in a way to oppose those screaming at each other and not listening to those words.”

Despite the speakers’ desire for respectful and open minded dialogue, a community member was rather hostile in questioning Khan about the politics associated with certain people within the Muslim faith. The audience member’s questions did not adhere to the main purpose of the event, which was to discuss the spiritual and philosophical beliefs behind the religions and rituals.

“[They were] friendly toward one another and composed their arguments in a manner which reflected the spirit of the event,” said sixth-year economics major Will Cramerotti. “There was definitely an undercurrent to the dialogue where criticisms and counterarguments were implied, but it was more agreeable than watching religious fanatics hurl insults on Ring Road.”

One audience member asked a more pertinent question to the spirit of the interfaith dialogue: “How do these beliefs deal with the concept of creationism?”

In reference to religious texts, Steinberg said, “If [they are] written by human beings then [they] can be fallible. … Jews throughout history have tried to understand what the divine image is. For Jews it is to bring light to the world.”

Khan agreed that religious texts have limitations, saying that texts about creation leave someone with a “particular perspective.”

The event concluded with the three panelists saying what they felt people of their faith need to concentrate on. Barmore emphasized working on interfaith dialogue. Steinberg reiterated the importance of stopping hate speech.

“I think we need to learn to be honest with ourselves,” Khan said. “Ignorance leads to injustice because of hate.”

“[With this event] we’re trying to show that you can have differences and similarities between religions and still have a respectful dialogue.” Peterson said.

Author of Lonely Soldier coming to UCI this Monday

Flyer (JPG)

A Discussion with Staff Sergeant Adam Harmon, author of "Lonely Soldier - The Memoir of an American in the Israeli Army". The book was "completed as Israel was beginning to disengage from Gaza, [and] is a unique and thrilling glimpse into a revered, yet misunderstood institution that is integral to Middle East peace."

Monday November 6th
12:30 pm lunch
1 pm lecture

HIB (Humanities Instructional Building) Room 135
UC Irvine

Brought to you by UCI's Anteaters for Israel, The Ayn Rand Club, College Republicans, and Young Democrats in conjunction with The Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles

According to the flyer, UCI students and faculty are free; Community members are $8

For more information, contact eshaaya@uci.edu

UPDATE

Per a recent email from AFI, Hillel of Orange County is sponsoring the lunch.

Religious Diversity Discussion This Wednesday Night

As mentioned in the NewU article on which I commented here, Hillel and the MSU have co-sponsored a religious diversity discussion this Wednesday at 7 PM in HIB (Humanities Instructional Building) room 100.

HIB is building 610 in quadrant D4 of the campus map available at this link.

The two speakers will be Rabbi Richard Steinberg of Congregation Shir HaMa'alot of Irvine, CA and Sheik Sadullah Khan of the Islamic Center of Irvine.

I wish Hillel the best of luck. Someone should ask the Sheik if his position on Zionism has changed from September 2005, when his sermon denounced Zionism.

NewU: Hillel Hopes To End Campus Conflicts

Alex Chazen is for playing nice with the MSU. If the MSU played nice with us, I'd be all for it - but they continue to bring anti-Semites on campus. Did Alex somehow miss Amir Abdel Malik Ali's multiple visits at the beginning of the quarter?

And now there's an event co-sponsored by the MSU and Hillel? (read below) What the heck is Rabbi Steinberg of Shir HaMa'alot doing sitting on the same stage as Sadullah Khan, who considers one of the Three Big Lies to be "Zionism is essential to Judaism"?

Hey Alex: is the MSU planning on holding another annual Anti-Zionism Week this coming May? If the answer to that question is anything but "no", what the are you doing even talking with them?

Somebody please slap Alex upside the head...

Features
Hillel Hopes to End Campus Conflicts
By Nadia Osman

UC Irvine’s Jewish Student Union, Hillel, has often been in the spotlight over the past few years because of intermittent clashes with the Muslim Student Union.

“I think that anyone who knows the delicate balance between the MSU and Hillel on campus knows that there are issues between our groups that need to be resolved,” said Alex Chazen, a third-year political science major and president of Hillel.

Chazen hopes to work this year to address these conflicts.

“Instead of avoiding past conflicts, I would love to confront and resolve these conflicts,” Chazen said. “I feel that it is important for people of all faiths to work together. There is so much common ground between the two religions, yet there is such an unwilling attitude to come together and partner in religious education.”

Hillel provides both a social and religious outlet for Jewish students at UCI. Hillel’s goals include increasing the comfort level of Jewish students on campus and creating a positive Jewish experience for its members.

“A very high percentage of people in this country believe in a god of some sort, and it doesn’t make sense for faith-based organizations to have feuds like the one that Hillel and MSU appear to have,” Chazen said.

Chazen is even willing to settle the feud by having a face-to-face meeting with MSU officers and members.

“I am most definitely willing to have a face-to-face meeting,” Chazen said. “I’ll do it in person. I’ll do it over the phone. I’ll do it over e-mail. I’ll do it on KUCI. I think it’s important that we sit and talk in a nonconfrontational manner. If this can be done, I believe it will be a giant step forward for our two groups on campus.”

One step forward is about to be taken as MSU and Hillel host “Religious Diversity: An Interfaith Dialogue,” their first cosponsored event on Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. in HIB in partnership with the Cross-Cultural Center.

The program will feature two panelists, Sudallah Khan, executive director of religious affairs at the Islamic Center of Irvine, and Rabbi Richard Steinberg of the congregation Shir Ha-Ma’a lot.

Chazen is unsure of what lasting effects the program will have.

“I fear that with the exception of our cosponsored program there will be little dialogue, just as there has been in the past,” Chazen said.

Naz Farahdel, second-year social ecology major and vice president and social chair of Hillel, said, “I don’t know how much talks can solve problems, but I know that if done right, with a chance for both sides to speak, then they are a step towards helping.”

Aside from the group’s intermittent involvement in controversy, Hillel has plenty of other things to offer UCI and the community at large. In the past month, Hillel has celebrated the two holiest Jewish holidays, Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashana.

To honor these holidays, Hillel held widely attended services at the Bren Events Center for the second year in a row. The services included festival meals for both holidays, with a meal before and after the 25-hour fast on Yom Kippur, along with spiritual services.

In addition to celebrating the holy days, Hillel hosts Shabbat dinners at the Interfaith Center on a weekly basis. Other activities planned for the fall quarter include a visit from a Facebook executive on Nov. 2 to discuss the founding and organization of the popular Web site, community service projects with other Hillel chapters to benefit the greater Los Angeles area and hosting the annual Hanukkah party at the end of November. Hillel also built a Sukkah, an outdoor gathering area in honor of the holiday Sukkot, which can be found in front of Langson Library on Ring Road.

Members are cautiously optimistic about the upcoming year.

“I feel it’s frustrating because there’s so much animosity when there shouldn’t be,” Farahdel said. “It’s ironic; we’re both fighting to get peace. I really want to plan an event with [Hillel and MSU] and do something fun, like go bowling! We’re still people, and we still want the same things, we all want peace.”

How to Report Anti-Semitism on College Campuses

Here's a quick email link to report anti-Semitism at UC Irvine

Email reports of campus anti-Semitism


To: referrals@usccr.gov, stuchman@zoa.org

If @ UCI:
To: referrals@usccr.gov, stuchman@zoa.org, deanstu@uci.edu, TedBlei@gmail.com, ReutRCohen@hotmail.com, rabbiyonah@gmail.com

This will contact, respectively, the US Commission on Civil Rights, and Susan Tuchman of the Zionist Organization of America, UCI's Dean of Students Office, Ted Bleiweis of the Orange County Independent Task Force on Anti-Semitism at UCI, Reut Cohen (former executive member of Anteaters for Israel and blogger of anti-Semitism at UCI), and OC Hillel Rabbi Yonah of http://www.RabbiYonah.com.

Make sure to follow up within a day or two if you don't hear anything back. We have seen that the anti-Semites only become more emboldened when the anti-Semitism isn't reported. Do your part to stop the hate.