Just days after what was considered the largest terror attack in Israel's history, the anti-Israeli Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) movement hosted their controversial "National Day of Resistance," across the US. The event had stirred considerable controversy in the lead-up, with a particular focus on several quotes from the toolkit that have raised eyebrows and further fueled the ongoing debate. The toolkit didn't mention the massacre that Hamas terrorists implemented on Saturday, in which more than 1,200 Israelis were brutally murdered. In addition, the word Hamas wasn't mentioned at all in the toolkit, totally ignoring this tragedy.
One of the quotes that have garnered attention from the toolkit states, "Gaza broke out of prison. Resistance fighters captured one of the bulldozers used to destroy Palestinian homes and used it to breach the illegitimate border fence back into '48 Palestine."
Another quote from the toolkit reads, "Gaza is being subjected to collective punishment because the occupation knows liberation is inevitable." A particularly contentious quote reads, "Zionists are telling Gazans to leave while also denying them freedom of movement – this is a call for genocide of Palestinians." The quote directly accuses Zionists of advocating for the genocide of Palestinians, a charge that has sparked outrage and vehement debate.
The toolkit also included a quote from former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who stated, "I say to the residents of Gaza: Leave now because we will operate forcefully everywhere."
In response to these quotes, Jonathan Greenblatt, National Director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), commented, "Let's be clear: SJP chapters are supporting and praising Hamas terrorism. By encouraging 'resistance' by 'any means necessary,' they're actively promoting a threatening environment for Jewish students on campuses across the country. This is unacceptable, dangerous & despicable."
National Day of resistance
The "National Day of Resistance" was organized by SJP in response to the recent actions of Hamas in Israel, particularly its attacks on Israeli civilians. SJP chapters at various universities hosted on-campus events, while others had organized activities at off-campus locations.
The controversy surrounding the event stemmed from SJP's endorsement of Hamas's actions, described in their statement as a "historic win for Palestinian resistance." This statement was accompanied by a call for "armed confrontation with the oppressors" and a commitment to "dismantling Zionism." These stances, coupled with SJP's aspiration for the "complete liberation" of Israel, have sparked concern and debate on campuses nationwide.
The ADL, in an open letter to university presidents, had expressed alarm over the event, describing it as an endorsement of terrorism and violence, even though it is portrayed as a form of "resistance." The ADL called on university leaders to publicly condemn the event and develop safety plans to ensure the well-being of all students, especially Jewish and Israeli students.