The
following statement was issued by Rabbi Seth Winberg, executive director of
Metro Chicago Hillel, and the student officers of Loyola Hillel.
On Tuesday
evening, Loyola's student government passed a resolution demanding the
university divest from companies because they do business with Israel. The results
of the vote were 15 in favor, 15 opposed, and two abstentions. The resolution
passed when the speaker of the government broke the tie by voting in favor.
(The student government passed a similar resolution last year, and the student
government president vetoed the resolution.)
Hillel
student leaders fought this year's BDS campaign vigorously through education
and dialogue. They spoke passionately at student government meetings to expose the
lack of intellectual rigor and moral clarity in demonizing Israel. We are proud
of their leadership.
BDS activists try to hijack the voice of student governments to advance a radical agenda.
Ultimately,
the BDS agenda finds no institutional support at Loyola. Current Provost and
incoming President Dr. John Pelissero has said that BDS activists use “the
student government senate to advance an anti-Israel policy position. The action
was harmful and divisive, creating a tense relationship between our Jewish and
pro-Palestinian students.
Father
Michael Garanzini, current President of the University, has made it clear that
the BDS movement “is one-sided” and that most student government resolutions “go
nowhere.” We are confident that regardless of student government votes, Loyola
is not going to divest from Israel.
Hillel
remains focused on inspiring students and making them proud to be Jewish. At
Loyola we have a full range of programs coming up to celebrate Passover, commemorate the Holocaust (also this film and this panel), promote peace and good deeds, and learn about Israel. Jewish
students at Loyola remain committed to fostering dialogue on campus and working
towards greater understanding and peace in the Middle East.
