University Sparks Controversy Over Anti-Israel Speaker in ‘Holocaust and Genocide Studies’ Series: What You Need to Know

A presentation on genocide by Ussama Makdisi, a Palestinian-American history professor at UC Berkeley, at Sonoma State University (SSU) has stirred up strong reactions. Scheduled for April 15, Makdisi’s talk, titled “Atonement at the Expense of Others: Palestinians and the Question of Genocide,” is part of the university’s Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies series.

Makdisi has been critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza, describing them as cruel and accusing the Israeli government of committing acts of genocidal violence. In a recent article, he pointed out the negative impacts on Palestinian lives and called for the U.S. to speak out against these actions. His statements have led some to label his views as extreme, with local residents expressing surprise at his invitation to speak at SSU.

This controversy reflects broader tensions on campuses across the U.S. Recent statistics indicate that nearly 40% of Jewish students feel uncomfortable expressing their views about Israel, according to a 2023 survey by the Anti-Defamation League. This discomfort highlights the polarizing nature of discussions surrounding Israel and Palestine.

At SSU, there has been a push for diverse viewpoints. Many voices demand that universities address issues of modern antisemitism and acknowledge acts of violence perpetrated by Palestinians. This comes in the wake of heightened scrutiny and debates about academic freedom versus social responsibility in educational spaces.

Student activists at SSU have been vocal, organizing protests and demonstrations to raise awareness about the Palestinian cause. One student stated, “We want people to think critically about the implications of what our government supports.” Their message is clear: they aim to provoke thought and discussion, even if it makes others uncomfortable.

As these events unfold, they reflect a larger societal struggle over how we talk about contentious global issues. Universities remain battlegrounds for these conversations, where free speech must be balanced with sensitivity to historical and ongoing injustices.

For more depth on the current landscape of antisemitism in higher education, check out this report by the Anti-Defamation League.

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