[Air-L] [External] Re: The difficult conversation we don't seem to be having

[Lonny J Avi Brooks]

I appreciate your message Sky and also those of our Israeli colleagues who
have posted here. I am Jewish, Black, Native American and I deplore the
anguish and brutal suffering of the Israelis attacked and the Palestinians
who have been killed in order to remove Hamas, a fairly brutal
dictatorship, from power. I think that the protests are warranted as an
expression of deep empathy for the destruction though lack, by their
language and rhetoric, a real understanding of how Israel and Palestine
came to be. And also require a thorough condemnation of Hamas’ genocidal
actions as well. Truly horrific. I think more Teach-in’s and Heal-in’s
would be more helpful than blanket anti-intellectual boycotts against the
Israeli academy to be honest. I shutter at how dystopic that sounds to shut
down against institutions of knowledge and intellectual exchange.

To understand that Israel is the only Jewish state in the world and has
served as a refuge for Jewish people from both Arab and African nations too
is important to understand and that Zionism is what this represents and
like any belief system takes various moderate to radically fundamentalist
forms from simply affirming a need for a home for the Jewish people to the
racist rhetoric of settlers on the West Bank who want to take over the West
Bank.

There is a need to understand the differences and nuances of this conflict
and how at the outset in 1948, a proposition to partition the land was
rejected by the Arab nations and Israel was immediately attacked. Many
Arabs stayed and live in Israel today account for 21% of the population.
The Oslo accords were a breakthrough for establishing the Palestinian
Authority. And was derailed and has been undermined by leaders like
Netanyahu and Hamas.

Is there a way to educate people better in the history of this region? To
understand and fully comprehend Israel’s right to security and exist annd
the terrible scope of its retaliation and the Palestinians’ right for a
flourishing state and to live without suffering for the brutal actions of
its leadership? There were protests against Hamas in Gaza early this year
too. Hamas is serious when it threatens to wipe out Israel. As it is also a
proxy for Iran too.

People are protesting who have no idea about the regional history, context
or the brutality that has occurred on both sides of this conflict. I say
teaching to understand and create a statement of understanding would be
able to give voice and nuanced critical voice for all.

As I get closer to 60, I am witnessing how badly the Internet is serving as
a real medium of debate and understanding. I want to create more empathy
and have both Palestinian and Israeli leadership reimagine the future in
order to safeguard both peoples’ rights to coexist.

Thanks for reading and listening.

Lonny Avi Brooks

Lonny
aka "Mixcoatl" ("Our Galaxy" in Nahuatl, language of the Aztecs/Toltecs)

Kol Tov L'Hitraot (Be well, see you soon)

Lonny J Avi Brooks, PhD. <https://lonny-avi-brooks.com/>
*Professor* in Strategic Communication, Foresight and Afrofuturism
Department of Communication
California State University East Bay
*+ Creative Director, Afrorithm Futures Group
<https://www.afrorithmsfromthefuture.org/>*

*AfroRithm Research Happenings & Bio:* https://linktr.ee/lonnyavibrooks
*IG:* @avilonny <https://www.instagram.com/avilonny/>


*“She told me the world was made of stories, nothing else, just stories,
and stories about stories.” ― Tommy Orange, There There
<https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/19/books/review/tommy-orange-there-there.html>*


On Mon, Jan 22, 2024 at 9:15 AM Sharp, Sacha Nicole via Air-L <
air-l at listserv.aoir.org> wrote:

> Thank you, Sky for your thoughtful message and for initiating this
> discourse. I stand in solidarity with your message. Well written.
>
> Sacha Sharp, Ph.D, M.A.
> Pronouns: she/her/hers
> Assistant Professor of Medicine
> IUSM Department of Medicine
>
>
> On Jan 22, 2024, at 8:35 AM, Josir Gomes via Air-L <
> air-l at listserv.aoir.org> wrote:
>
> This message was sent from a non-IU address. Please exercise caution when
> clicking links or opening attachments from external sources.
>
>
> Thank you Sky for this courageous email.
> In unconditional agreement and solidarity.
> Stop the Palestinian genocide.
>
> Josir Cardoso Gomes
> Phd in Information Science / Programmer / Teacher
> Rio de Janeiro / Brazil
>
> Em seg., 22 de jan. de 2024 às 00:37, Sky Croeser via Air-L <
> air-l at listserv.aoir.org> escreveu:
>
> Hi everyone,
>
>
> This is a difficult message to write, and I know that it will probably open
> some difficult conversations. I realised this morning that I was shying
> away from having these conversations because I don’t want to create
> problems for the many colleagues who I respect and am fond of within AoIR.
> And while I do care about all of you, sometimes care means being brave (and
> perhaps annoying) instead of being polite.
>
>
> So. We need to talk about Gaza. And we need to talk about Israel. Many of
> us have been speaking up individually, but our voices have more power when
> we bring them together. I have signed on to other open letters, but I think
> there are also important reasons for the Association of Internet
> Researchers to take a stance.
>
>
> *What I am suggesting?*
>
> I am asking for us to have a discussion about some form of public
> solidarity with Palestinians who are currently under attack, and with those
> within Israel and around the world who are speaking up against the actions
> of the Israeli state.
>
>
> It might involve a statement of solidarity for those who are under attack
> in Gaza and other parts of Palestine, and for people engaged in non-violent
> resistance to the actions of the Israeli state. It might involve joining
> the international call for an academic boycott of Israeli institutions
> complicit in the ongoing violence against Palestinians (the guidelines for
> which are available here <
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbdsmovement.net%2Facademic-boycott&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579126038%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Do81gDbbv1I0BcPmqhB%2FC9PHJxlyhvqii6DOPtczi6U%3D&reserved=0>).
> It
> might involve a commitment to ask our own academic institutions to cut
> their ties with the Israeli state. It might take some other format.
>
>
> *Why now?*
>
> There are many acts of violence and oppression happening around the world.
> Why should our academic organisation speak up on this, specifically?
>
>
> Because the scale of the violence is immense and continuing
> <
>
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.oxfam.org%2Fen%2Fpress-releases%2Fdaily-death-rate-gaza-higher-any-other-major-21st-century-conflict-oxfam&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579133991%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=iHJKaq1%2BqTSQ3ZPy5%2FCyNMMjmmVLeY%2BUMOK5befgCgU%3D&reserved=0
> ,
> exceeding that of any recent armed conflict. There is no end in sight, and
> the deliberate restriction of food, water, and medicine means that people
> within Gaza face starvation and disease as well as bombing and other forms
> of direct violence.
>
>
> Because many of us are based in countries which are prepared to condemn
> other atrocities, but are unwilling to issue more than lukewarm statements
> about the Israeli state’s violence against Palestinians. For example,
> Australia’s
> foreign minister Penny Wong
> <
>
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Faustralia-news%2F2024%2Fjan%2F17%2Fpenny-wong-meets-israel-katz-isaac-herzog-israel-gaza-palestine-war-meets-hamas-hostages&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579139763%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=4O24BetbkM6W%2Feqqhoi7S0TIXBumhpWbUHRHp1Fah0I%3D&reserved=0
>
> “has met with Israeli relatives of hostages held by Hamas and assured them
> that she will continue to use Australia’s voice to call for the immediate,
> unconditional and safe return of all hostages” and affirmed Australian
> support for Israel, while only “raising concerns” about the humanitarian
> situation in Gaza. Australia has also supported the US/UK bombing of Yemen
> <
>
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Faustralia-news%2F2024%2Fjan%2F12%2Faustralia-military-support-yemen-airstrikes-us-uk&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579144327%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=yaYvg22BZqfsv4p9cY%2Bkg%2BhBsampyEkkwJ2ITCRc2vQ%3D&reserved=0
>
> in retailation for their disruption of shipping routes to Israel. Where our
> own governments will not speak up for human rights, we have an obligation
> to raise our voices.
>
>
> Because AoIR is <
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Faoir.org%2Fdiversity-and-inclusivity%2F&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579148637%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=knjtMwOhflNWAiH3Nex6abI8cVFRy%2Fa%2FAU2Fnp2EyJA%3D&reserved=0>
> “is
> committed
> to the most fundamental principles of academic freedom, equality of
> opportunity, and human dignity.” The last university in Gaza has now been
> destroyed
> <
>
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenational.scot%2Fnews%2F24059315.israel-destroys-last-university-gaza-strikes-continue%2F&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579152794%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=VmnFNG%2FRa0xFLdWPFle7lm17ItaQcYPXq6V9cFeJV%2B4%3D&reserved=0
>
> by the Israeli army, along with many schools. Students from these
> universities feel their loss keenly
> <
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwearenotnumbers.org%2Flament-for-the-universities%2F&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579156924%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=HnzqP4BFRuojZzJjozdrotCiNm8uFeW2UQUh9qdPrg0%3D&reserved=0>,
> even while
> trying to stay alive through bombings and the denial of their basic human
> needs. Countless Palestinian academics
> <
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwearenotnumbers.org%2Ftributes-to-refaat-alareer-killed-dec-9-2023%2F&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579161108%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=teQKqgRCYKVytHsOloLawWP6ysCUNXB6%2FBlYL3t3R8k%3D&reserved=0
>
> and students
> <
>
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwearenotnumbers.org%2Ftributes-to-mohammed-zaher-hamo-killed-nov-24-2023%2F&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579165500%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=KCEaF9CXTKumJgPkIJyW9T93HBEahsCf0VgcZC%2Fct5k%3D&reserved=0
>
> have been killed, injured, and displaced
> <
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwearenotnumbers.org%2Fi-have-left-all-my-books-behind%2F&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579170174%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=73fheLAcBQ9GbI3Xvfd%2F2K3VrvwAAzzpBycb6Z0Sr9Q%3D&reserved=0>.
> Attacks on
> Palestinian educational institutions are not new
> <
>
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fprotectingeducation.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fimpact_attackeducation_palestine_2022_en.pdf&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579174407%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=3%2FCwB4lAf%2B%2BqqwPR9T5gCFBEpXTjmsj2MIE%2FWh9g670%3D&reserved=0
> .
> Calls for protection
> <
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tandfonline.com%2Fdoi%2Ffull%2F10.1080%2F03057925.2021.1987192&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579178954%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=2l8CzYDRfdTX22biENhw7FwQThbq7hbOB9cxEHVoEoA%3D&reserved=0>
> have
> gone unheeded.
>
>
> Because the digital technologies that many of us research are woven through
> this conflict. Israeli authorities are using facial recognition technology
> <
>
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amnesty.org%2Fen%2Flatest%2Fnews%2F2023%2F05%2Fisrael-opt-israeli-authorities-are-using-facial-recognition-technology-to-entrench-apartheid%2F&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579182906%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=P%2BVhNy5TJXnFEqnGSCcbau1VzU3pTWtY4AVJ%2BC3D6yA%3D&reserved=0
>
> to entrench apartheid. The Israeli military is using an “AI” system to
> “generate targets”
> <
>
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.npr.org%2F2023%2F12%2F14%2F1218643254%2Fisrael-is-using-an-ai-system-to-find-targets-in-gaza-experts-say-its-just-the-st&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579187017%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=lGNTzD0wBPY%2FTUOFQQTfoa6x11Amikm1D0UWI6FHHy4%3D&reserved=0
> .
> Telecommunications systems are shut down
> <
>
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aljazeera.com%2Fnews%2F2023%2F10%2F27%2Fisrael-intensifies-gaza-bombardment-as-internet-and-phone-services-go-down&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579191114%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=PO9Agkcp7Do3NBl6CUG9Xoo8EHqTnMOJ1u5COw4iC%2Bs%3D&reserved=0
> ,
> making it difficult for people in Gaza to communicate while under attack.
> Large tech companies have been providing key systems to the Israeli
> government <
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnotechforapartheid.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579197975%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ienmkaDxe9z9R%2Be7EcGX9OaxbMN3TGK56Bep941WrQw%3D&reserved=0
> >.
>
>
> Because Israeli citizens who protest
> <
>
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.npr.org%2F2024%2F01%2F19%2F1225651180%2Fisrael-tel-aviv-protest-gaza-war&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579203302%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gthkKhlEw%2Bco5tZyf0%2FCWOwa1ff0I%2FXHKmvviYxealA%3D&reserved=0
>
> the actions of their government (including on social media) face
> <
>
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonpost.com%2Fworld%2F2023%2F11%2F12%2Fisrael-free-speech-arrests-hamas%2F&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579207970%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=3qwKXbq9JPZp6NzRClqe8o0OXW7J%2BPya8z0qwabTet4%3D&reserved=0
>
> jail
> <
>
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Fworld%2Fmiddle-east%2Fisraeli-police-crack-down-arab-citizens-expressing-solidarity-with-gaza-2023-10-20%2F&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579212317%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=p28AwAH6VYy3WGx4zt4exhS2IBicMyIpZWb8se5i3Ts%3D&reserved=0
>
> and threats of violence
> <
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.972mag.com%2Fisraeli-protest-gaza-war-repression%2F&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579216662%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=g9w9GaY6QIFGjd6uKaEQYjhJmCqqmT8D9JEWGZuiTmM%3D&reserved=0>,
> as do those
> who refuse to serve in the army
> <
>
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.france24.com%2Fen%2Flive-news%2F20240115-israel-s-war-resisters-risk-jail-time&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579220630%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Bj1qy4w5wB9rVvKbEXF2mNmvpNbvJxaYCRyOi66Twl4%3D&reserved=0
> .
> They deserve our support and solidarity.
>
>
>
> *Why **are we** silent?*
>
> I do not think that AoIR has tended to position itself as a neutral or
> apolitical organisation. Past conference themes
> <
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FAssociation_of_Internet_Researchers&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579224660%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=dCubkCdQdFLpuO9a%2BtTTAepqvyEJ%2FmfcoiErKgYgxU8%3D&reserved=0>
> have
> included “Revolutions” and “Decolonising the Internet”. My sense is that
> there was also a response and a discussion within the organisation to the
> Black Lives Matter movement, among other issues.
>
>
> Of course, I am aware that academic organisations will not often respond to
> international events. Perhaps the silence so far is entirely for this
> reason. Perhaps we are afraid that if we speak up on this we will also be
> asked to speak about Sudan, Congo, and other issues (would that be
> terrible?)
>
>
> However, I think that we must also acknowledge the chilling effect that
> many academics and others experience specifically on the matter of Israel.
>
>
> Antisemitism is a real and significant problem in the world. However, the
> ongoing attempt to conflate all criticism of Israel with antisemitism is
> intellectually dishonest and dangerous
> <
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jewishvoiceforpeace.org%2F2023%2F11%2F09%2Fantisemitism-dangerous%2F&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579228460%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=GcjgwPgwn%2FKYOeyE5YnybRh9RbaqC0nU1X9O0QVUrCo%3D&reserved=0
> >.
> It also frequently glosses over the long history of Jewish
> <
>
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wrmea.org%2F2008-december%2Fisrael-and-judaism-the-long-and-largely-untold-history-of-jewish-opposition-to-zionism.html&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579232573%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=FRyS83Cxlg4sgRX1iN24kTBiKUyRbaQ5ESk1CrxqVx0%3D&reserved=0
>
> opposition
> <
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fjacobin.com%2F2020%2F07%2Fisrael-palestine-anti-zionism-history-left&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579236664%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=pXZzv8ljyo%2FJga6QH1zbt%2FgR0%2BbuNKKv5Rb%2BA1bZ7hE%3D&reserved=0
> >
> to
> the formation of Israel. Organisations like the ADL put forward claims that
> groups like A Jewish Voice for Peace are antisemitic *because* they are
> anti-Zionist. Similarly, Canary Mission lists university students,
> professors, and organisations that criticise the Israeli state alongside
> neo-nazi organisations like the “Daily Stormer”, conflating legitimate
> criticism of the Israeli government with violent antisemitism.
>
>
> I understand that many people do not want to contribute to the real
> antisemitism faced by our friends, colleagues, and students face. We all
> have a duty to oppose antisemitism in our communities and universities.
> Perhaps that leads to a reluctance to speak out about the Israeli state’s
> actions. However, I believe that we can oppose both antisemitism and
> Israeli state violence. The Israeli state does not speak for, or act for,
> all
> <
>
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fedition.cnn.com%2F2023%2F10%2F23%2Fus%2Fjewish-palestinian-protest-israel-gaza%2Findex.html&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579241273%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=AEWSgb6aYCDTyUzD5ILmW%2BcD8WyVjP%2B5WjIYjQetGc4%3D&reserved=0
>
> Jewish
> <
>
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Fworld%2Fus%2Fus-jewish-group-protests-eight-cities-gaza-ceasefire-2023-12-15%2F&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579245849%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=291ozirEe8ftZ3F2DYC%2BbAk27dsh%2F2ZGN4%2BLaCIF%2FSc%3D&reserved=0
>
> people
> <
>
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Fworld%2F2023%2Foct%2F19%2Fjewish-protest-israel-gaza-washington-dc&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579250037%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=8h%2FA0e%2F%2BJB91FOn3Yz0T9CYKyRldLasI8mVqzTGvtF8%3D&reserved=0
> .
> We should not allow them to claim that they do.
>
>
> We also must be aware that organisations like Canary Mission work hard to
> impose
> <
>
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftruthout.org%2Farticles%2Fadvocacy-for-palestinians-has-been-outright-criminalized-warns-academic%2F&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579254118%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=6ar1CKCMjTfxmztcozzinewhbx1Eb5YW1Bf94cJH5Qw%3D&reserved=0
>
> a high
> <
>
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecrimson.com%2Farticle%2F2023%2F12%2F8%2Fdoxxing-students-palestine-feature%2F&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579258649%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=rI%2BLE6%2BVRSFzlmESwCOrkc966W6io9w%2BaVexPTysdgE%3D&reserved=0
>
> cost
> <
>
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cuindependent.com%2F2023%2F11%2F05%2Fethnic-studies-pro-palestine-statement-taken-down-after-pushback%2F&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579262693%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=4xxUz5rpAXz2ydKyBmvP4WxgotQgA%2B%2Ffxf8q7iLMcuQ%3D&reserved=0
>
> on students and teachers within universities who do speak up. A variety of
> governments have also worked to ban the Boycott-Divest-Sanctions movement
> <
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FAnti-BDS_laws&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579266767%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=TB0%2BBYWCJ4xwCZ743NAKqgceq2Ggn0RJISjbh4GMscI%3D&reserved=0>.
> There are therefore real
> material consequences for speaking against the actions of the Israeli
> state. Perhaps that is enough that we do not want to put AoIR as an
> organisation, or fellow academics within AoIR, in a difficult position.
>
>
> But if that’s the case, let’s at least acknowledge it. Let’s make it
> visible. Let us be aware that our organisation, and its commitments to
> values like diversity and inclusion
> <
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Faoir.org%2Fdiversity-and-inclusivity%2F&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579270808%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Az%2BHlDdpON7b4soFYqvAeRzb3EsjlvavPictVodGLLY%3D&reserved=0>,
> are constrained and
> limited.
> That our interest in hearing from those who are currently at the margins of
> our academic spaces (as set out in the ‘revolutions’ CfP
> <
> https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Faoir.org%2Faoir2023%2Faoir2023cfp%2F&data=05%7C02%7CSachshar%40iu.edu%7C914403b6502a4726be8308dc1b4f0efd%7C1113be34aed14d00ab4bcdd02510be91%7C0%7C0%7C638415273579274796%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=62K9%2FyoAQaRWdoqkRPfXtjqBEBr8%2BzuyxOlhFurFjhc%3D&reserved=0>)
> does not, perhaps, extend as far
> as some of us might hope.
>
>
> With love, solidarity, and significant trepidation,
>
> sky.
> _______________________________________________
> The Air-L at listserv.aoir.org mailing list
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