A Reflection from JSPL Regarding Perspectives on “A Resolution Recognizing the Ongoing Genocide in Palestine"
Criticism and misinterpretation has erupted following the passing of a Resolution Recognizing the Ongoing Genocide in Palestine. Let’s clear that up.
The voice of KU’s student body has spoken, recognizing the ongoing genocide in Palestine, overturning the veto brought forward by Student Body President DaNae L. Estabine. This is a small step in the direction of both accountability and justice, but the journey is far from over. Just as there is cause for celebration, there is need for continued action and advocacy. We, Jewish Students for People’s Liberation, call on the University of Kansas to act accordingly to the interests of the students’ voices. Students make KU what it is, and the actions of the University ought to reflect that.
We hope that this resolution will not sit and collect dust, but that the student body will take this as a signal to speak and act with their hearts. We have seen what has been and is being done to the people of Palestine for many decades now, but we must do all that we can if we want to bring any change. If you say that your hearts bleed for those in Palestine, we urge you to reflect that with your words, your actions, and the community you surround yourselves with. After all, without the proper care, a heart that bleeds out does not heal.
As brought up in discussions about this resolution, there is a concern from many about the safety of Jewish students at KU. We believe this concern is in good faith. However, we also believe that holding the horrendous crimes committed against Palestinians to be representative of Jewish students is the real threat to our safety. The passing of this resolution opens the opportunity for conversation about the difference between the state of Israel and the Jewish people, especially in the diaspora. By refusing to allow the crimes against Palestinians to be committed in our name, we can foster a sense of safety for all students. Just as Jewish people deserve to feel safe at the University of Kansas, so do our Palestinian and Arab peers and community members.
This resolution, despite the claims otherwise, does not hold Israel to a higher standard than any other country. We have seen the destruction and massive loss of life in Palestine, and if Palestine and Israel were any other pair of countries, we would be pushing the same efforts. Attempts to downplay the damage done by Israel in the name of supporting Jewish people only contributes to antisemitism. People who have little to no knowledge about Jewish communities and histories can, will, and do take such downplaying at face-value. Daily, people see new evidence of the brutal destruction of life in Gaza. When all they are told is that this is in our name, the conclusions write themselves. We can and should address antisemitism when it occurs, but we also need to recognize triggers and correct them. Additionally, this resolution does not address opinions or moral standpoints regarding Zionism, but rather addresses the history of intensive and unjust discrimination against and displacement of the Palestinian people. It is not ideological, it is humanitarian, and if any other country were perpetrating this violence our response would be just as necessary. There is no higher standard; it is simply accountability.
We have heard claims that the members of Jewish Students for People’s Liberation have been tokenized in advocating for this resolution; that we are a “fringe minority” of the Jewish population. [1] This claim is no more true for us than it may be for other Jewish community members of the opposing parties. After all, regardless of where we stand, we are all still speaking in the Jewish voice. Dissent is a long-standing value within Judaism and Jewish histories. The book of Job teaches us to have the strength to question, to be heard, and to engage in discussion and debate. To dismiss our voice simply because we dissent disregards those values and teachings. Jewish people are not a monolith, but the attempt to brush off dissenting Jewish voices treats us as though we are.
In the time between this resolution’s passing and the posting of this statement, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has announced that its food stocks in Gaza have been fully depleted. The food that the WFP has been delivering to the hot meal kitchens in Gaza have been, for weeks, the only consistent source of food for Palestinians living in Gaza, but still only covering roughly one-fourth of daily needs. The WFP has also reported severe shortages of safe water and necessary cooking fuel. Despite all of this, the WFP reports that there are 116,000 metric tons of food ready at aid corridors. [2] The delivery simply waits for Israel to open the borders. Once again, as dissenting voices, Jewish Students for People’s Liberation refuses this act to be committed in our name.
Our voices may not ring with the majority, but we carry our principles with our words. May our disagreements be constructive, and endure.
[1] Kansas City Jewish Chronicle. “KU Student Senate Passes Resolution Denouncing Israel despite Jewish Opposition.” Kcjc.Com, 21 Apr. 2025.
[2] “WFP Runs out of Food Stocks in Gaza as Border Crossings Remain Closed: World Food Programme.” UN World Food Programme.
This statement was also posted on Instagram by Jewish Students for People’s Liberation
Comments
Post a Comment