Back to 6 May | Jewish UvA student Ben: “What is happening here is definitely anti-Semitism”
This week marks exactly one year since the pro-Palestinian protests at the UvA got completely out of hand. In this series, Folia talks to various people involved about their experiences. Today, part 3: Jewish UvA student Ben* (23), who is a member of the Dutch-Jewish Student Council (NJSO).
“Last year, on 6 May, I attended the Yom Hashoah commemoration ceremony for the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, just around the corner from Roeterseiland. So it was very sad to realise that this demonstration was taking place at the same time, less than a kilometre away. When I heard how violent it was, I went to see for myself. I was shocked by the slogans and chants. The worst diseases and statements about Jews – you can’t tell me that’s not anti-Semitism. That feeling is simply indescribable. In this city, where so many Jews were deported and murdered in concentration camps, it’s very surreal. I realised once again how important Israel’s existence is.”
“To cope with that difficult period, starting on 7 October, I tried to focus fully on my studies, but it was precisely in that place that I was confronted with the fact that I was no longer welcome in my own city and at my own university. This should be a place where everyone deserves a normal student life, but that is absolutely not the case right now.”
Yarmulke
“For example, I always wore a necklace with a Star of David on it, and I have friends who wore yarmulkes, but you’re no longer safe doing that. You can still be Jewish, but only under certain conditions, and you certainly can’t be a Zionist. Whereas the definition of Zionism is simply that you believe Israel has a right to exist. I find it bizarre to deny that, especially given the Second World War and the anti-Semitism that is now manifesting itself internationally again. But even if you’re not a Zionist, the university should be the place par excellence to engage in constructive, academic debate on these issues.”
“Many activists have no idea what they are talking about. I have engaged in conversation a few times, but most of them have no idea what exactly happened on 7 October. Debating is part of university life, but it must be done respectfully and based on facts.”
NJSO
“All of this has made my Jewish identity play a bigger role in my life. I have tried to turn that into something positive by joining the NJSO, so that I can contribute constructively to a safe academic climate. But I haven’t always had a pleasant student experience over the past year and a half.”
“I’m studying science, which has nothing to do with politics, but several lecturers and professors have shared their opinions about this conflict and the UvA’s actions in class. I believe that all lecturers have not only an academic responsibility, but also a pedagogical one. You have to be there for every student, but when you, as a lecturer, take part in a demonstration where the most extreme things are being shouted, or say that the UvA acted wrongly by calling in the police during a violent demonstration that caused millions in damage, that does have consequences for how some students feel in the lecture hall. This is unacceptable in itself, but even more difficult to accept in this day and age, when there is so much focus on inclusivity.”
