SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — On the evening of Wednesday, March 13th, 2013 Associated Students of UCSD passed a symbolic resolution urging the UC regents to divest from an expansive list of American companies who do business with Israel.
The student organizations at UCSD representing the Jewish and Israeli communities strongly condemn the passing of this resolution. This resolution represents a step backwards for our campus, and a step backwards for the Israeli and Palestinian people. It has created a hostile environment at UCSD and alienates the many Jewish students who feel targeted by it.
Yet the Jewish students at UCSD remain strong. The student government has failed us as our representatives, but their weakness contrasts our unity. We will not be intimidated by these radical statements, and we will continue to advocate for Israel and stand for a Two State Solution.
We call upon donors of the university to continue investing in UC San Diego. The radicals in our student government do not represent the majority of UCSD students, they do not represent our campus, and they do not represent us.
Although this is a difficult time for our students at UCSD, we will continue as a strong Jewish community and stand united in our support for Israel.
Sincerely,
Tritons For Israel at UCSD
Union of Jewish Students at UCSD
WHAT ARE OUR BRAVE PRO ISRAEL STUDENTS ARE SAYING ON FACEBOOK:
Gary Podvalny
I just sent a formal apology on behalf of the UCSD student body to some of the most influential individuals in the San Diego community including donors to UCSD. The legislation that was passed tonight by the Associated Student Council was blatantly anti-Israel and anti-American. The majority of students come here to learn, do research, and get a good job after they graduate. They are not here to have their University’s name be tarnished by a piece of legislation that will not impact the Middle-East in any way. However, what will be impacted is our local community and University’s image and how it is perceived by others.
Talia Rybak
ASUCSD does not represent me nor does it represent my community. Despite the outcome of the evening, I am so impressed with the Jewish community at UCSD for coming together. We will always remain strong and we will stand together to continue to fight for what we believe in. I am thankful that I am apart of a community that hopes for the best for all people and does not rejoice in the suffering of others (unlike some people I saw tonight). I am proud to be an American and I’m am proud to be pro-Israel. עם ישראל חי
Keren Ben-Moshe
Ok so I know everyone is a little bit down in the dumps at the moment but don’t let this drag on. Let this inspire you and motivate you to see how deep this problem is for the Jewish Community. As a nation we are not one to back down from a challenge- I hope everyone takes this much deserved spring break to breathe and relax, our hard work was earnest and informative (something that can’t be said for the opposition). Come back to school with a clean mind and a fighting spirit and we’re going to show them our strength come spring quarter.
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Preceding provided by Stand With Us