Documentary 'Israelism' Divides UPenn Campus: Navigating Academic Freedom Amid Israel-Hamas Tensions

In the midst of the Israel-Hamas conflict, a thought-provoking documentary titled "Israelism" has emerged, chronicling the journeys of two young Jewish Americans questioning their allegiance to Israel after visiting the country and the West Bank. This award-winning film, having debuted at a film festival earlier this year, has become a focal point in the ongoing debates over academic freedom on college campuses across the United States.

The Controversial Screenings

With over 60 planned screenings, mostly on college campuses, "Israelism" has faced both support and opposition. While many screenings proceeded without incident, controversies erupted at Hunter College in New York and the University of Pennsylvania.
At Penn, students who defied university administration's advice to postpone the screening now face potential disciplinary action. This incident underscores the delicate balance universities must strike between free speech, student safety, and the complexities of navigating national political tensions.

Penn's High-Profile Struggles

Penn, already under scrutiny for hosting the Palestine Writes Literature Festival, faced criticism from various quarters, including former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, leading to calls for university president Liz Magill's resignation. The university has lost major donors, and Magill, while condemning anti-Semitism, has defended the importance of open expression and academic freedom.

The decision to postpone the screening at Penn came in response to the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel. Jewish student organizers aimed to create a respectful and accessible space for dialogue, acknowledging the heightened emotional climate. Despite attempts to reschedule, the university deemed the film unfit for the campus atmosphere, citing potential vitriol.

Online Opposition and Unclear Motivations

Coordinated online opposition targeted several universities planning to screen "Israelism," with claims that the documentary was neither educational nor inclusive. Penn, along with Oberlin College and Yale University, received emails urging them to cancel the screenings. However, the specific motivations behind Penn's decision remain unclear.

Penn Chavurah, the student group behind the screening, faced administrative resistance, and their attempts to secure a different event space were met with complications. The university's Middle East Center stepped in, obtaining approval for a screening without specifying the film's title. However, once the university learned of the film's identity, threats of disciplinary action, loss of funding, and status revocation followed.

Academic Freedom Concerns

The controversy prompted resignation from Harun Küçük, the director of the Middle East Center. Faculty members and academic associations, including the Middle East Studies Association of North America, condemned the university's actions, citing a disregard for students' constitutionally protected right to free speech and academic freedom.

Hunter College's Backlash and Partial Win

Hunter College faced a similar situation when it initially canceled the screening but later rescheduled it due to backlash. The screening took place with the added element of a local rabbi moderating the discussion, which some criticized as unnecessary. The event, though deemed a partial win for academic freedom, highlighted the ongoing challenges in navigating discussions around sensitive geopolitical topics.

The controversy surrounding the screenings of "Israelism" reflects the broader challenges faced by universities in upholding academic freedom while contending with political tensions. The incidents at Penn and Hunter College underscore the need for nuanced conversations, respectful dialogue, and a commitment to fostering an environment where diverse perspectives can be expressed without compromising the fundamental principles of academic freedom.