Brown University’s Students for Justice in Palestine chapter holds ’emergency’ meeting to defend terror group’s massacre
University Hall at Brown (Getty Images)
Shortly after Hamas launched a terrorist attack on Israel on October 7th, the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter at Brown University called an “emergency meeting” to discuss their public response. According to internal documents obtained by the Washington Free Beacon, during the meeting, members of the group argued that Hamas’s attack was not only justified but also a victory.
Throughout the meeting on October 8th, the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter at Brown University defended Hamas’s terror attack, as well as the subsequent kidnapping and killing of Israeli women and children. Meeting minutes reveal that members emphasized the importance of recognizing the attack as a victory and a significant moment for Palestine. They also expressed their belief that the group should not condemn violence or adopt a tone of mourning in response to the attack, which they deemed justified due to Israeli oppression.
The meeting minutes shed light on the anti-Semitic demonstrations that have erupted on Ivy League campuses since October 7th. While the Brown Students for Justice in Palestine chapter eventually released a statement on October 11th blaming the attack on Israel’s “settler colonial regime of apartheid” and expressing solidarity with Palestinian resistance, this statement omitted much of the extreme rhetoric expressed during the “emergency meeting.”
During the meeting, the group members argued that Hamas did not target innocent Israelis, claiming that there is a difference between an “innocent” civilian and a settler. They further asserted that their group should never condemn Palestinian resistance, even though they acknowledged that Hamas’s attack resulted in the deaths of children.
For Brown sophomore Victoria Zang, the meeting minutes reveal the true intentions of the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter. She stated, “It just shows what their true intentions are—they don’t care, they just want to blame Israel, even when Hamas, a terrorist group, storms inside.”
The identities of the Students for Justice in Palestine members who organized the “emergency meeting” at Brown University remain unclear. The group, which did not respond to a request for comment, keeps the names of its leaders private and issues statements defending Hamas anonymously. However, one member of the student group’s executive board, Mica Maltzman, has been identified by Brown’s Center for Middle East Studies. Maltzman’s online bio indicates her primary interest in the history of Palestinian resistance and its intersections with diaspora and colonialism studies.
During the meeting, the group also suggested sending their statement to Brown professor Beshara Doumani for review. Doumani, the university’s inaugural “professor of Palestinian studies,” has publicly advocated for turning Israel into a pariah state and ending its existence as a Jewish state through the anti-Semitic Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement.
In addition to the Students for Justice in Palestine emergency meeting, anti-Semitic rhetoric has surged on Brown’s campus since the Hamas attack. Other campus groups, such as the Asian American Political Alliance, have shared statements and organized demonstrations that glorify Hamas’s slaughter of innocent Israelis. Furthermore, screenshots obtained by the Washington Free Beacon reveal that students on the Sidechat app have sympathized with Hamas, posting images and comments that perpetuate anti-Semitic sentiments.
Jewish students at Brown have expressed their concerns and feelings of insecurity on campus in response to these incidents. They question why the university has yet to respond to the harassment they are facing.
– How can universities strike a balance between freedom of speech and responsible engagement?
The Students for Justice in Palestine chapter at Brown University is not the only campus group that has faced criticism for its public support of Hamas. Similar incidents have occurred at other universities, highlighting a concerning trend of sympathizing with terrorist organizations. This raises questions about the appropriate role of student groups on campus and the extent to which universities should allow the promotion of radical ideologies.
While universities value freedom of speech and the exchange of ideas, it is crucial for institutions to ensure that such freedoms are balanced with responsible and ethical engagement. Allowing student groups to openly defend and celebrate acts of terrorism violates the principles of peaceful coexistence and undermines the safety and well-being of all members of the campus community.
It is essential for universities to address these concerns by establishing clear guidelines and holding student organizations accountable for promoting extremist views. This does not mean suppressing free speech, but rather promoting a culture of respectful dialogue and condemning any form of violence or support for terrorist activities.
The Students for Justice in Palestine chapter’s actions at Brown University highlight the importance of educating students about the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Universities have a responsibility to provide balanced and comprehensive information to foster critical thinking and promote understanding among students of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
In conclusion, the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter at Brown University’s “emergency meeting” to defend Hamas’s terror attack and subsequent killing of Israeli women and children is deeply concerning. It raises questions about the role of student groups on campus, the promotion of radical ideologies, and the need for responsible engagement and accountability. Universities must prioritize educating students about complex conflicts and promoting respectful dialogue, while ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of the campus community.
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