Concerned Jewish Faculty & Staff
@concernedjfaculty.bsky.social
We believe that the fight against antisemitism cannot be separated from the struggle against all forms of oppression.
Learn more and join us:
https://concernedjewishfaculty.org
Our statements:
https://www.concernedjewishfaculty.org/statements
Learn more and join us:
https://concernedjewishfaculty.org
Our statements:
https://www.concernedjewishfaculty.org/statements
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CJFS Commission Shadow Report | Concerned Jewish Faculty & Staff
www.concernedjewishfaculty.org
The MA Antisemitism Commission has approved its final report conflating Judaism with Zionism.
We respond: "The Commission has done more to fuel rising authoritarianism and antisemitism than to create the conditions that promote Jewish safety"
www.concernedjewishfaculty.org/commission-s...
We respond: "The Commission has done more to fuel rising authoritarianism and antisemitism than to create the conditions that promote Jewish safety"
www.concernedjewishfaculty.org/commission-s...
Reposted by Concerned Jewish Faculty & Staff
anatomy of a smear campaign gone bad.
a 🧵about what happened when #MA @aaup.org chapters organized against a pressure campaign designed to smear & shut down a @bostonu.bsky.social webinar on antisemitism.
1/5
a 🧵about what happened when #MA @aaup.org chapters organized against a pressure campaign designed to smear & shut down a @bostonu.bsky.social webinar on antisemitism.
1/5
November 26, 2025 at 7:04 PM
anatomy of a smear campaign gone bad.
a 🧵about what happened when #MA @aaup.org chapters organized against a pressure campaign designed to smear & shut down a @bostonu.bsky.social webinar on antisemitism.
1/5
a 🧵about what happened when #MA @aaup.org chapters organized against a pressure campaign designed to smear & shut down a @bostonu.bsky.social webinar on antisemitism.
1/5
It is incredibly dangerous that universities are signing agreements that tie purported measures against antisemitism to rolling back diversity in admissions and excluding trans people from basic facilities.
This ends terribly for everyone.
This ends terribly for everyone.
BREAKING: Northwestern University has agreed to pay the U.S. Treasury $75 million, over the course of three years as part of an agreement with the federal government to restore funding and end investigations into the university
Full statement from NU below:
Full statement from NU below:
November 29, 2025 at 2:34 AM
It is incredibly dangerous that universities are signing agreements that tie purported measures against antisemitism to rolling back diversity in admissions and excluding trans people from basic facilities.
This ends terribly for everyone.
This ends terribly for everyone.
Reposted by Concerned Jewish Faculty & Staff
“I think this initiative has as much to do with scientific research as the early [antisemitism] initiative had to do with protecting Jews. This is an extortionist move to try to hold institutions that are heavily dependent on federal funding, as research institutions are, to have leverage over them.
Opinion | ‘We Lost Our Mission’: Three University Leaders on the Future of Higher Ed
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:15 PM
“I think this initiative has as much to do with scientific research as the early [antisemitism] initiative had to do with protecting Jews. This is an extortionist move to try to hold institutions that are heavily dependent on federal funding, as research institutions are, to have leverage over them.
This commission, from its inception to its final report, has focused almost exclusively on silencing criticism of Israel, while ignoring the growing threat from right-wing antisemitic extremists. Its reckless approach will make us all less safe.
www.wgbh.org/news/politic...
www.wgbh.org/news/politic...
State antisemitism commission finalizes findings, drawing praise and pushback
The Massachusetts political establishment has broadly endorsed the commission’s work, which is the first of its kind.
www.wgbh.org
November 25, 2025 at 3:00 PM
This commission, from its inception to its final report, has focused almost exclusively on silencing criticism of Israel, while ignoring the growing threat from right-wing antisemitic extremists. Its reckless approach will make us all less safe.
www.wgbh.org/news/politic...
www.wgbh.org/news/politic...
Reposted by Concerned Jewish Faculty & Staff
Glad to see @concernedjfaculty.bsky.social on here now. Follow them for takes from Jewish faculty who don’t want antisemitism involved in ways that actually endanger Jews!
November 24, 2025 at 1:59 AM
Glad to see @concernedjfaculty.bsky.social on here now. Follow them for takes from Jewish faculty who don’t want antisemitism involved in ways that actually endanger Jews!
Reposted by Concerned Jewish Faculty & Staff
New York Times coverage of lawsuit requesting names of Jewish employees at Penn.
[Gift Link]
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/21/u...
[Gift Link]
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/21/u...
Federal Suit Seeking Names of Some Jewish Employees at Penn Sparks Backlash
www.nytimes.com
November 22, 2025 at 9:05 PM
New York Times coverage of lawsuit requesting names of Jewish employees at Penn.
[Gift Link]
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/21/u...
[Gift Link]
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/21/u...
Reposted by Concerned Jewish Faculty & Staff
If the government asks for a list of Jews in your organization, you have an absolute ethical obligation to refuse that request, regardless of who is asking or what they say it's for. They have no right to ask and you have no right to comply.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/21/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/21/u...
Federal Suit Seeking Names of Some Jewish Employees at Penn Sparks Backlash
www.nytimes.com
November 22, 2025 at 6:26 PM
If the government asks for a list of Jews in your organization, you have an absolute ethical obligation to refuse that request, regardless of who is asking or what they say it's for. They have no right to ask and you have no right to comply.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/21/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/21/u...
Reposted by Concerned Jewish Faculty & Staff
November 23, 2025 at 9:44 AM
"Over the course of a year of hearings, the Special Commission has perhaps irreparably merged the concept of antisemitism with criticism of Israel, which seems to have been the point."
www.juancole.com/2025/11/spee...
www.juancole.com/2025/11/spee...
Trump using Jews to Ban Free Speech: The Ultimate in Antisemitism
By Mattea Kramer ( Tomdispatch.com ) - Rooting out terrorism and antisemitism was the supposed reason that plainclothed ICE agents arrested doctoral student Rümeysa Öztürk on a street in Somerville, M...
www.juancole.com
November 23, 2025 at 3:59 AM
"Over the course of a year of hearings, the Special Commission has perhaps irreparably merged the concept of antisemitism with criticism of Israel, which seems to have been the point."
www.juancole.com/2025/11/spee...
www.juancole.com/2025/11/spee...
“The totality of the report—in the context of the commission leadership’s behavior—mainstreams the same narratives & endorses the same policies that Trump admin & allies like ADL wield to spread hate, silence dissent, & erode democratic norms that keep us all safe.”
gazettenet.com/2025/11/21/m...
gazettenet.com/2025/11/21/m...
Massachusetts antisemitism commission backs wide-ranging reforms in final report - Daily Hampshire Gazette
NORTHAMPTON — A series of recommendations for K-12 and higher education, public safety and law enforcement and workplaces that aim to confront antisemitism are included in a 69-page report approved un...
gazettenet.com
November 22, 2025 at 4:09 PM
“The totality of the report—in the context of the commission leadership’s behavior—mainstreams the same narratives & endorses the same policies that Trump admin & allies like ADL wield to spread hate, silence dissent, & erode democratic norms that keep us all safe.”
gazettenet.com/2025/11/21/m...
gazettenet.com/2025/11/21/m...
One of the worst aspects of the Commission's final report is a call for universities to prohibit boycotts against countries.
The aim is obviously to prohibit boycotts of Israel. But the same language would also prohibit boycotts of Russia over Ukraine invasion, or of South Africa over apartheid.
The aim is obviously to prohibit boycotts of Israel. But the same language would also prohibit boycotts of Russia over Ukraine invasion, or of South Africa over apartheid.
The MA Antisemitism Commission has approved its final report conflating Judaism with Zionism.
We respond: "The Commission has done more to fuel rising authoritarianism and antisemitism than to create the conditions that promote Jewish safety"
www.concernedjewishfaculty.org/commission-s...
We respond: "The Commission has done more to fuel rising authoritarianism and antisemitism than to create the conditions that promote Jewish safety"
www.concernedjewishfaculty.org/commission-s...
CJFS Commission Shadow Report | Concerned Jewish Faculty & Staff
www.concernedjewishfaculty.org
November 21, 2025 at 9:00 PM
One of the worst aspects of the Commission's final report is a call for universities to prohibit boycotts against countries.
The aim is obviously to prohibit boycotts of Israel. But the same language would also prohibit boycotts of Russia over Ukraine invasion, or of South Africa over apartheid.
The aim is obviously to prohibit boycotts of Israel. But the same language would also prohibit boycotts of Russia over Ukraine invasion, or of South Africa over apartheid.
The MA Antisemitism Commission has approved its final report conflating Judaism with Zionism.
We respond: "The Commission has done more to fuel rising authoritarianism and antisemitism than to create the conditions that promote Jewish safety"
www.concernedjewishfaculty.org/commission-s...
We respond: "The Commission has done more to fuel rising authoritarianism and antisemitism than to create the conditions that promote Jewish safety"
www.concernedjewishfaculty.org/commission-s...
CJFS Commission Shadow Report | Concerned Jewish Faculty & Staff
www.concernedjewishfaculty.org
November 21, 2025 at 7:52 PM
The MA Antisemitism Commission has approved its final report conflating Judaism with Zionism.
We respond: "The Commission has done more to fuel rising authoritarianism and antisemitism than to create the conditions that promote Jewish safety"
www.concernedjewishfaculty.org/commission-s...
We respond: "The Commission has done more to fuel rising authoritarianism and antisemitism than to create the conditions that promote Jewish safety"
www.concernedjewishfaculty.org/commission-s...
Reposted by Concerned Jewish Faculty & Staff
BREAKING: Shadow Report from @concernedjfaculty.bsky.social detailing how the #MA Antisemitism Commission is inviting an ADL/MAGA crackdown on civil rights and civil liberties. @marisakabas.bsky.social
www.concernedjewishfaculty.org/commission-s...
www.concernedjewishfaculty.org/commission-s...
November 20, 2025 at 3:08 PM
BREAKING: Shadow Report from @concernedjfaculty.bsky.social detailing how the #MA Antisemitism Commission is inviting an ADL/MAGA crackdown on civil rights and civil liberties. @marisakabas.bsky.social
www.concernedjewishfaculty.org/commission-s...
www.concernedjewishfaculty.org/commission-s...
Despite a more inclusive introductory framing, the MA Antisemitism Commission's draft report insists on the IHRA definition, declares "Zionist" to be a slur, and directs universities to prohibit academic boycotts and curtail protests
Our response here: www.concernedjewishfaculty.org/mscca-draft-...
Our response here: www.concernedjewishfaculty.org/mscca-draft-...
MSCCA Draft Higher Ed | Concerned Jewish Faculty & Staff
www.concernedjewishfaculty.org
November 17, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Despite a more inclusive introductory framing, the MA Antisemitism Commission's draft report insists on the IHRA definition, declares "Zionist" to be a slur, and directs universities to prohibit academic boycotts and curtail protests
Our response here: www.concernedjewishfaculty.org/mscca-draft-...
Our response here: www.concernedjewishfaculty.org/mscca-draft-...
"As long as Jewish Zionist groups intervene every time that curricula veers even slightly toward acknowledging Palestinian human rights, the possibility for a robust cross-analysis of antisemitism within ethnic studies recedes farther from sight."
jewishcurrents.org/in-californi...
jewishcurrents.org/in-californi...
In California, Jewish Groups’ Win Is Students’ Loss
A new “antisemitism prevention” law erodes possibilities for robust public education on both Palestine and Jewish identity.
jewishcurrents.org
November 17, 2025 at 3:29 PM
"As long as Jewish Zionist groups intervene every time that curricula veers even slightly toward acknowledging Palestinian human rights, the possibility for a robust cross-analysis of antisemitism within ethnic studies recedes farther from sight."
jewishcurrents.org/in-californi...
jewishcurrents.org/in-californi...
"Pluralism asks us to share space. Restorative justice asks us to share responsibility. The first sustains dialogue; the second ensures that conversation leads to true change."
Coauthored by CJFS member Aaron Shakow
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/17/o...
Coauthored by CJFS member Aaron Shakow
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/17/o...
Harvard idealizes pluralism. It needs restorative justice instead. - The Boston Globe
This is a crisis as serious as any in Harvard’s 400-year history. The university is failing in its duty to make academic freedom real for all.
www.bostonglobe.com
November 17, 2025 at 12:36 PM
"Pluralism asks us to share space. Restorative justice asks us to share responsibility. The first sustains dialogue; the second ensures that conversation leads to true change."
Coauthored by CJFS member Aaron Shakow
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/17/o...
Coauthored by CJFS member Aaron Shakow
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/17/o...
New report from @mesa1966.bsky.social and @aaup.org : Antisemitism lawsuits and investigations have skyrocketed over the past two years, largely driven by outside groups, and almost all focusing on criticism of Israel.
November 6, 2025 at 3:31 PM
New report from @mesa1966.bsky.social and @aaup.org : Antisemitism lawsuits and investigations have skyrocketed over the past two years, largely driven by outside groups, and almost all focusing on criticism of Israel.
Reposted by Concerned Jewish Faculty & Staff
The Heritage Foundation created an entire program, Project Esther, to use antisemitism as a pretext to shut down US higher education. They are now defending a guy who has friendly chats with Holocaust deniers.
Never take these people seriously when they say they care about fighting antisemitism.
Never take these people seriously when they say they care about fighting antisemitism.
Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts stands by Tucker Carlson after the former Fox News host release his controversial interview with Nick Fuentes.
"The Heritage Foundation didn't become the intellectual backbone of the conservative movement by canceling our own people" x.com/KevinRoberts...
"The Heritage Foundation didn't become the intellectual backbone of the conservative movement by canceling our own people" x.com/KevinRoberts...
October 31, 2025 at 2:28 AM
The Heritage Foundation created an entire program, Project Esther, to use antisemitism as a pretext to shut down US higher education. They are now defending a guy who has friendly chats with Holocaust deniers.
Never take these people seriously when they say they care about fighting antisemitism.
Never take these people seriously when they say they care about fighting antisemitism.
The ADL confirms it is no longer a civil rights organization.
We need to build up alternative Jewish orgs that recognize that none of us are free until we all are.
www.jta.org/2025/10/29/u...
We need to build up alternative Jewish orgs that recognize that none of us are free until we all are.
www.jta.org/2025/10/29/u...
ADL removes ‘Protect Civil Rights’ from website as it narrows its mission amid right-wing attacks - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
The removal took place after FBI Director Kash Patel said he would cut ties with the ADL, though it is unclear if that has happened.
www.jta.org
October 30, 2025 at 1:15 PM
The ADL confirms it is no longer a civil rights organization.
We need to build up alternative Jewish orgs that recognize that none of us are free until we all are.
www.jta.org/2025/10/29/u...
We need to build up alternative Jewish orgs that recognize that none of us are free until we all are.
www.jta.org/2025/10/29/u...
Webinar TONIGHT on the overreach of the MA Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism
October 28, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Webinar TONIGHT on the overreach of the MA Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism
CJFS member Ben Allen testifies to the MA Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism: Drop the IHRA definition that equates criticism of Israel with hate speech.
I testified to the MA Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism to urge them to stop equating criticism of Israel with hate speech youtube.com/shorts/Kf8ei...
Massachusetts Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism Testimony, IHRA definition is dangerous
YouTube video by JVP Boston
youtube.com
October 28, 2025 at 1:56 PM
CJFS member Ben Allen testifies to the MA Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism: Drop the IHRA definition that equates criticism of Israel with hate speech.
Key passage from this decision: “Plaintiffs are entitled to their own interpretive lens equating anti-Zionism (as they define it) and antisemitism. But it is another matter altogether to insist that others must be bound by plaintiffs’ view."
Court finds Title VI does not require schools to quash protests:
“By gathering together in groups on campus, disrupting campus tranquility, and impeding travel for many students, the protestors did not render their speech antisemitic, much less unprotected”
www.courthousenews.com/first-circui...
“By gathering together in groups on campus, disrupting campus tranquility, and impeding travel for many students, the protestors did not render their speech antisemitic, much less unprotected”
www.courthousenews.com/first-circui...
First Circuit ends Jewish students’ lawsuit over Gaza protests at MIT
The appeals panel found that students’ accusations “do not plausibly rise to the level of actionable harassment” required for the discrimination claim.
www.courthousenews.com
October 27, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Key passage from this decision: “Plaintiffs are entitled to their own interpretive lens equating anti-Zionism (as they define it) and antisemitism. But it is another matter altogether to insist that others must be bound by plaintiffs’ view."
Depending on how "Zionism" is defined, the percentage of US Jews identifying as Zionist ranges all the way from 10% to 72%
theconversation.com/the-conflati...
theconversation.com/the-conflati...
The conflation problem: Why anti-Zionism and anti-semitism are not the same
Equating the two terms silences debate, when separating critique from prejudice is essential to justice for all.
theconversation.com
October 26, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Depending on how "Zionism" is defined, the percentage of US Jews identifying as Zionist ranges all the way from 10% to 72%
theconversation.com/the-conflati...
theconversation.com/the-conflati...
Court finds Title VI does not require schools to quash protests:
“By gathering together in groups on campus, disrupting campus tranquility, and impeding travel for many students, the protestors did not render their speech antisemitic, much less unprotected”
www.courthousenews.com/first-circui...
“By gathering together in groups on campus, disrupting campus tranquility, and impeding travel for many students, the protestors did not render their speech antisemitic, much less unprotected”
www.courthousenews.com/first-circui...
First Circuit ends Jewish students’ lawsuit over Gaza protests at MIT
The appeals panel found that students’ accusations “do not plausibly rise to the level of actionable harassment” required for the discrimination claim.
www.courthousenews.com
October 26, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Court finds Title VI does not require schools to quash protests:
“By gathering together in groups on campus, disrupting campus tranquility, and impeding travel for many students, the protestors did not render their speech antisemitic, much less unprotected”
www.courthousenews.com/first-circui...
“By gathering together in groups on campus, disrupting campus tranquility, and impeding travel for many students, the protestors did not render their speech antisemitic, much less unprotected”
www.courthousenews.com/first-circui...