Human rights activist and Israeli Minister for Diaspora Affairs Natan Sharansky continued his five-day tour of 13 American universities with a visit to campus yesterday, fighting what he characterizes as a new breed of anti-Semitism — hatred toward Israel.
He is enlisting the support of college students to help change the view that Palestinians are the only victims in the Mideast crisis. The tour will also encourage activist groups to mobilize a grassroots campaign for peace in the Mideast, he said.
Sharansky said he is targeting college campuses because anti-Semitic groups have tried to capitalize on this type of forum in the past.
"Campuses are one of [the anti-Semitists'] strategic aims," he said.
In a press conference before a talk at the Center for Jewish Life, Sharansky adamantly defended the Israeli decision to erect a security fence, saying that Israel is a democracy at war and wartime calls for extreme measures.
He said the Palestinians are acting as terrorists, whereas Israel is the only true democracy in the Middle East.
The Israelis and Palestinians are currently facing a deadlock where each side accuses the other of obstructing the peace process. While Israelis stress that they are constant victims of terrorist attacks, Palestinians say the Israeli government has incited violence by failing to end an occupation of Palestinian territories and by constructing the wall around Palestinian areas.
Sharansky said that peace can only come if the Palestinians democratize themselves. He spent nine years incarcerated by the KGB — the former Soviet intelligence agency — for his support of human rights.
He said he wants young people to have the information and support they need to take a stand about Israel. He said he is "deeply concerned" that "Israel is so politically incorrect that young Jews find it hard to associate themselves with the nation."
The Princeton Israel Public Affairs Committee helped organize the visit. PIPAC says it is nonpartisan and dedicated to fostering awareness of Israeli politics and culture. The organization invited representatives from several political groups — including the Whig Cliosophic Society, the College Republicans and the College Democrats — to meet with Sharansky.
Rabbi James Diamond, one of the event coordinators, said opinions on the situation in the Middle East are diverse.
"Some people are dazed and confused, some people are dug into various positions, and some are dug into no position," he said.
Because the minister arrived late to campus, most of the students couldn't meet with him. Though no large lecture was scheduled, students had a chance to hear him informally at a CJL luncheon.
Some Jewish students, including PIPAC Secretary Sarit Kattan '06, said one can be pro-Israel without supporting the policies and decisions of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.
While Princeton is estimated to be roughly 11 percent Jewish, Kattan said only a fraction practice their religion, and an even smaller number are politically active in Israeli affairs.
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