It really shouldn’t be that difficult to differentiate between free speech, the fundamental democratic right, and free speech, the amoral we’ll-attack-whoever-we-want ideology.
Joshua, Your articles never disappoint, and this one about "free speech" hit the mark. The examples of the universities and the lack of action on their part when it involves Jewish students is appalling. I think the questioning of "those" women missed the mark. They should have been held to the fire with questions like, if Jewish students held signs on campus that said, "all black students should go back to Africa," or "Gaza should not exist," would that be enough context for you then? "Jewish students pay tuition like everyone else, why aren't they afforded the same protections as other students?" Those women were given softball questions, and still looked cowardly and sounded inarticulate. As far as free speech, the Left has become even more restrictive with those on the right when it comes to free speech. Social media was known for taking off comments that did not agree with the Left's political narrative, Legacy media did the same, trying to shut down guests (when they had them) who had a different perspective. We see Karine Jean-Pierre ignoring certain reporters, shutting down Simon Ateba because he asks questions she doesn't like. She tried to shut down John Kirby during a press conference when he spoke about supporting Israel, but he wouldn't let her stop him. As you said and I agree with and quote you, "Free speech is not a right; it’s a privilege that comes with significant responsibility." It seems people, institutions, and government has lost sight of this.
Joshua-- one thing that is also worth mentioning is that all universities have student codes of conduct which include restrictions on free speech. The problem with these codes is that they are, in practice, selectively enforced. So when it's hate speech against Jews, "free speech" becomes the primary consideration, as the three university presidents openly admitted. When it's hate speech against any other minority, "student safety" and other considerations become primary. The double standard was glaringly obvious, which is why Magill is no longer president of Penn.
I don't recognise the statement that 50% of British Jews are thinking of leaving the country. If you pause to consider it, it is ridiculous. I can't believe that you would source that figure from a tweet on X!
I live in a thriving North London Jewish community and I can confirm that of the hundreds of Jews that I know NONE have mentioned the possibility of leaving the country.
On 1st night Chanukah, I was at a talk by Dave Rich, Director of Policy at the Community Security Trust https://cst.org.uk/about-cst/csts-leadership, he stated that despite the dramatic upturn in antisemitic incidents being reported (nearly all are verbal rather than violent/property) Britain is still a safe and welcoming home forJews.
I’m a Jew living in London, I don’t know where you sourced that number of 100,000 Jews thinking of leaving London? It’s absolutely not true and including falsehoods like that contributes to a self fulfilling fear in British Jews.
You wrote about the responsibility of journalists to quote figures from trustworthy sources. Hmm, a correction perhaps?
Generally I appreciate your work and most of this piece I agree with
Hi Joshua, excellent article. Really not sure about exact numbers, and they are important. I feel like leaving the U.S. every other day following the disgusting and unabashed show of antisemitism since the 7th, and I love America and don’t otherwise want to leave. I’ve got a feeling I ain’t the only one, so make of that what you will. And the free speech is merely pretext, as we know, through which pro hamas dummies get to articulate their ignorance and hate.
I hope he's right because Jews felt the same safe and welcoming home in Germany, as they did in many countries they lived in. Many of us feel safe and welcoming in the US, but with increased antisemitic acts, it's not feeling quite as safe.
Joshua, Your articles never disappoint, and this one about "free speech" hit the mark. The examples of the universities and the lack of action on their part when it involves Jewish students is appalling. I think the questioning of "those" women missed the mark. They should have been held to the fire with questions like, if Jewish students held signs on campus that said, "all black students should go back to Africa," or "Gaza should not exist," would that be enough context for you then? "Jewish students pay tuition like everyone else, why aren't they afforded the same protections as other students?" Those women were given softball questions, and still looked cowardly and sounded inarticulate. As far as free speech, the Left has become even more restrictive with those on the right when it comes to free speech. Social media was known for taking off comments that did not agree with the Left's political narrative, Legacy media did the same, trying to shut down guests (when they had them) who had a different perspective. We see Karine Jean-Pierre ignoring certain reporters, shutting down Simon Ateba because he asks questions she doesn't like. She tried to shut down John Kirby during a press conference when he spoke about supporting Israel, but he wouldn't let her stop him. As you said and I agree with and quote you, "Free speech is not a right; it’s a privilege that comes with significant responsibility." It seems people, institutions, and government has lost sight of this.
Definitely agree that the questioning could have been more on-point!
Joshua-- one thing that is also worth mentioning is that all universities have student codes of conduct which include restrictions on free speech. The problem with these codes is that they are, in practice, selectively enforced. So when it's hate speech against Jews, "free speech" becomes the primary consideration, as the three university presidents openly admitted. When it's hate speech against any other minority, "student safety" and other considerations become primary. The double standard was glaringly obvious, which is why Magill is no longer president of Penn.
That’s right Mike!
Joshua
I don't recognise the statement that 50% of British Jews are thinking of leaving the country. If you pause to consider it, it is ridiculous. I can't believe that you would source that figure from a tweet on X!
I live in a thriving North London Jewish community and I can confirm that of the hundreds of Jews that I know NONE have mentioned the possibility of leaving the country.
On 1st night Chanukah, I was at a talk by Dave Rich, Director of Policy at the Community Security Trust https://cst.org.uk/about-cst/csts-leadership, he stated that despite the dramatic upturn in antisemitic incidents being reported (nearly all are verbal rather than violent/property) Britain is still a safe and welcoming home forJews.
Shalom
Steven
Hi
I’m a Jew living in London, I don’t know where you sourced that number of 100,000 Jews thinking of leaving London? It’s absolutely not true and including falsehoods like that contributes to a self fulfilling fear in British Jews.
You wrote about the responsibility of journalists to quote figures from trustworthy sources. Hmm, a correction perhaps?
Generally I appreciate your work and most of this piece I agree with
Cheers
Steven
Hi Steven, I found the number 100,000 London Jews here: https://twitter.com/BenMFreeman/status/1733517703971848214
Hi Joshua, excellent article. Really not sure about exact numbers, and they are important. I feel like leaving the U.S. every other day following the disgusting and unabashed show of antisemitism since the 7th, and I love America and don’t otherwise want to leave. I’ve got a feeling I ain’t the only one, so make of that what you will. And the free speech is merely pretext, as we know, through which pro hamas dummies get to articulate their ignorance and hate.
After the war, hopefully Israel again becomes the safest place for Jews! 🙏
I hope he's right because Jews felt the same safe and welcoming home in Germany, as they did in many countries they lived in. Many of us feel safe and welcoming in the US, but with increased antisemitic acts, it's not feeling quite as safe.