History has shown us that the Declarations of Independence of both America and Israel have common roots, tracing back to the English Bill of Rights and the Book of Deuteronomy. Despite some scholars claiming otherwise, these declarations were written in moments of passion by nations fighting for survival.
Recently, anti-Zionism and antisemitism have been on the rise, particularly on college campuses. Jewish students at Columbia University and the University of Virginia have faced discrimination and hostility, leading some to believe that these institutions have committed treason against the United States.
Despite the constitutional protection of free speech and diverse views on campus, teachings and actions that go against the fundamental principles of democracy would not have been permitted by the founding fathers, like Jefferson and Madison.
It is crucial for college campuses to uphold the values of American democracy and not allow student self-governance to be used in ways that undermine the rights of others. It is not only anti-Zionist, antisemitic, and anti-American, but also goes against the hopes of the world.
As a Jewish graduate of the University of Virginia, I urge all campuses to protect the values of democracy and reject any form of discrimination or prejudice.
The writer, a graduate of the University of Virginia, is a Jewish author and film producer from Texas.