The heads of the bipartisan Congressional Israel Allies Caucus released the following statements condemning the boycott of Israeli academic institutions by the American Studies Association.
“It is deeply ironic that the American Studies Association has chosen to launch an academic boycott on Israel — the nation with the highest number of scientists, technicians, engineers and museums per capita in the entire world,” said Congressman Trent Franks (R-AZ). “Israel’s historic contributions to science, technology, music and scholarship, along with its academic and cultural exchange with American universities in general are unrivaled. The ASA claims to pride itself on its promotion of the study of American culture and history, but this decision shamefully contradicts their objectives in every capacity, especially in light of America’s efforts to advance peace between Israel and the Palestinians.”
“This bigoted one-sided boycott is a shameful assault on academic freedom, demonizes Israel and does nothing to advance the cause of lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace,” Congressman Doug Lamborn (R-CO) said. “The glaring double-standard applied solely to the State of Israel by this American organization is deeply disturbing and conspicuously unjust.”
Other Israel-supporters also responded:
“I am deeply disappointed with the decision by the American Studies Association to launch an academic boycott of Israel. I simply fail to see how cutting off ties to Israeli universities furthers the interests of peace and coexistence,” Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY) said. “I would note that Israel is the first country to be boycotted by this academic organization, which has chosen to stay silent on the slaughter in Syria, the continued imprisonment of democracy activists in Iran or the scores of other dictatorships around the world. Yet once again we see this unfair double standards applied to Israel.”
“I deeply oppose the American Studies Association’s recent decision to endorse a boycott of Israeli universities,” said Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA). “Israel is a vibrant democracy, with a strong commitment to the rule of law and religious freedom, and America’s closest ally and friend in the Middle East. Despite immense challenges over the past several decades, the people of Israel have made profound contributions to academia. If the American Studies Association is interested in peace in the Middle East, then it should reverse course and instead expand engagement and dialogue with Israeli universities. The American Studies Association does not speak for American colleges or professors. Some 827 activists cast an anti-Israel vote.”
The only bi-partisan pro-Israel Caucus in Congress, the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus spearheads initiatives and legislative efforts to ensure a secure future for the State of Israel. The Caucus is co-chaired by Rep. Eliot Engel, Rep. Trent Franks, Rep. Doug Lamborn and Rep. Brad Sherman.
