Ryna Workman: Israel’s Responsibility for Hamas Attacks
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New York University law students are rallying behind Ryna Workman, who lost a position at a prestigious law firm for defending Hamas. They argue that the firm’s decision to rescind the offer is a form of “violence.”
The Chicago-based Winston & Strawn withdrew their employment offer to Ryna Workman after the nonbinary NYU student claimed that “Israel bears full responsibility” for the terrorist attacks that have resulted in over 1,300 deaths, including 30 Americans. According to a letter of support obtained by the Washington Free Beacon, this decision is just one example of the “systemic, concentrated violence” that Workman has faced since expressing her anti-Israel stance.
The letter, signed by various groups including the Black Allied Law Students Association and the Women of Color Collective, accuses NYU of being complicit in the “abuses of the Israeli government” and criticizes the university administration for not protecting Ryna as a student and valued member of the community.
In the aftermath of Hamas’s invasion, left-wing students and faculty across the country have launched attacks against Israel. A professor at Cornell University expressed excitement over Hamas’s atrocities, while a professor at George Washington University referred to the terrorist group as “martyrs.” Initially, Columbia University Law School’s statement on Hamas’s attacks only vaguely mentioned “the violence in Israel,” but the dean later condemned “the atrocious terrorist attacks on Israel and innocent civilians by Hamas” after facing criticism.
Ryna Workman, president of NYU Law’s Student Bar Association, released a statement expressing unwavering solidarity with Palestinians in their fight against oppression. She stated that “Israel bears full responsibility for this tremendous loss of life.” This statement sparked immediate backlash, leading to Workman’s removal as president by the Student Bar Association board and the revocation of her job offer by Winston & Strawn, where she worked as a summer associate.
The letter defending Workman highlights her exceptional leadership within the community and mentions her thoughtful gestures, such as making Halloween goody bags for students, as evidence of her integral role at NYU Law. It condemns NYU Law, the Board of Trustees, the Office of the Dean, and the broader NYU administration for failing to protect Ryna as a student and valued member of the community.
The letter also claims that in light of Hamas’s attack, “people of color and marginalized communities on campus” may no longer feel safe at NYU. However, there have been no recorded incidents of violence against any NYU student.
In an interview with The Intercept, Ryna Workman dismissed the backlash to her statement as a “dangerous distraction” and pledged to continue advocating for Palestinians, whom she finds inspiring in their resilience.
Why is it important for universities and employers to take a stand against endorsing terrorist organizations
M/latest-news/gw-professor-says-hamas-attacks-on-israel-are-a-form-of-defense” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Hamas attacks as a form of defense. These incidents highlight the growing trend of anti-Israel sentiment on college campuses and the need for open and respectful dialogue on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
However, while freedom of speech is a fundamental right, it should not be used as a shield to justify or promote violence. Defending Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, undermines the principles of peace, security, and human rights that both Israelis and Palestinians strive for.
Israel, like any sovereign nation, has the right to defend itself against terrorist attacks. Hamas, an extremist group, has consistently targeted Israeli civilians through indiscriminate rocket attacks and suicide bombings. This has led to devastating loss of life and significant economic damage to Israel. To suggest that Israel is solely responsible for these attacks is to disregard the complexity of the conflict and the role that Hamas plays in perpetuating violence.
Ryna Workman’s remarks aligning herself with Hamas and blaming Israel for the attacks are not only factually incorrect but also deeply offensive to those who have suffered as a result of Hamas’s actions. Her employment offer was revoked because her statements go against the values and principles of the law firm. It is not a violation of her freedom of speech; it is a reflection of the firm’s commitment to promoting peace and justice.
Universities, including NYU, should be spaces for diverse perspectives and respectful discussions. However, it is essential to draw a line when individuals support and defend organizations that use violence as a means to achieve their goals. Defending Hamas not only perpetuates the cycle of violence but also undermines the potential for meaningful dialogue and peaceful resolution.
As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues, it is crucial to remember that individuals have a responsibility to educate themselves about the complexities of the situation. Blindly supporting one side of the conflict without considering the larger context only exacerbates tensions and perpetuates a cycle of violence.
While opinions and debates on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will always exist, it is important to distinguish between valid criticisms of Israeli policies and endorsements of terrorist organizations. Ryna Workman’s defense of Hamas and blaming Israel for the attacks falls into the latter category.
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of universities and employers to maintain an environment that fosters constructive dialogue and rejects support for violent extremists. By revoking Ryna Workman’s employment offer, Winston & Strawn is sending a clear message that endorsing terrorist organizations is not acceptable behavior within their organization.
As members of the academic community, it is crucial to prioritize open-mindedness, tolerance, and respect for all perspectives. It is through these principles that we can create a conducive environment for meaningful discussions and strive towards peaceful resolutions to complex conflicts like the Israeli-Palestinian issue.
