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C.U.N.Y. Jewish faculty members are joined by Curtis Sliwa of the Guardian Angels and
recent Republican Candidate for mayor - to protest endemic Jew-hatred in the CUNY under and graduate level administrations
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Teachers and civic activists staged a rally in front of C.U.N.Y. (City University of New York) on Tuesday 12 September. Speakers expressed disappointment with the
university's lack of action against anti-Semitism, highlighting
incidents of hate speech by professors and the hiring of Mark Lamont
Hill.
They call for accountability and consequences, emphasizing the
need for CUNY to create a safe environment for Jewish students. Elected
officials show their support, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan
action and condemning hate speech that can lead to violence. The
speakers, including members of Christian organizations, emphasize
solidarity and the need for a safe and equitable environment for all
students at CUNY. One speaker even shares a freestyle rap expressing
their commitment to ending Jew hatred.
Speakers: Gerard Filitti Esq., Mazi Philp, Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, State Sen. Jack Martins, Ari Brown
00:00:00 In this section, Gerard Filitti, an attorney and activist with the N28 movement, expresses his gratitude for everyone's presence while also expressing disappointment that they have to protest for the second time this summer outside the Chancellor's office at CUNY. Filitti highlights the serious issues of anti-Semitism faced by Jewish professors and students on campus and criticizes CUNY for not taking appropriate action. He points out that instead of investigating the individuals who created a hostile environment, CUNY launched an investigation into Jewish professors who were merely asserting their civil rights.
Filitti also raises concerns about CUNY's decision to hire Mark Lamont Hill, who was previously fired by CNN for hate speech. He emphasizes the need for consequences and accountability, not just for the Jewish community but for all communities affected by racism and bigotry. Filitti concludes by thanking the elected representatives and allies who are standing with the Jewish community and fighting against Jew hatred.
00:05:00 In this section of the video, a Jewish activist and mother expresses her concern for the safety of Jewish students attending college on campuses that are not specifically Jewish schools. She highlights a recent incident at CUNY Law School where a speaker applauded the institution and then called upon her peers to fight Zionism, which implies fighting Jews. The speaker criticizes the dean and Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez for perpetuating anti-Semitism by their actions and lack of action, including the recent hiring of Mark, who made a speech calling for the destruction of Israel. However, she also expresses hope as public officials from the city, state, and national level are present at the rally in support of justice for the Jewish community.
00:10:00 In this section, a speaker addresses the importance of standing up against discrimination and not staying silent. They share their personal experience of fleeing Syria and questioning why their family came to the United States for a safe haven, only to have concerns about their children's future. The speaker also calls attention to the lack of response to discriminatory laws targeting Jews in other countries, highlighting the need for equity and social justice. They compare anti-Semitism to gangrene, emphasizing that it cannot be treated or tolerated and that those perpetuating it must be held accountable. The speaker urges Jews to be proud and unafraid to publicly display their identity, and emphasizes the importance of thanking public officials who stand up for the Jewish community. They end by stating that neutrality is not an option and that it is necessary to send a message to all public officials.
00:15:00 In this section of the video, a speaker expresses a mix of happiness and sadness at seeing so many people gathered at the rally, reflecting on a conversation they had with a Jewish student leader from Brooklyn College who felt overwhelmed by the anti-Semitism on campus. The speaker emphasizes that the issue of anti-Semitism is not unique to CUNY or college campuses in general, but a systemic problem in the country. They assert that today's rally is about showing the administration and anti-Semitic professors that the Jewish community matters and will not be silenced. The speaker also highlights the financial aspect, suggesting that following the money may unveil the roots of the problem. Another speaker, Ari Ackerman, shares an interaction he had with the chancellor, questioning the lack of consequences for those promoting anti-Semitism and expressing concern for the safety of Jews on campus. They also point out the harassment of Jewish professors and call for support from minority communities.
00:20:00 In this section of the transcript, the speaker expresses concern about the rise of anti-Semitism in New York City and the need for support to address it. They emphasize that if hate is not stopped in New York City, it will spread throughout the country. The speaker also mentions a conversation they had with the chancellor and expresses disappointment that things have not improved and that more needs to be done to combat anti-Semitism within the educational system. They vow to continue fighting for accountability and change at CUNY. Another speaker, a senator, voices her support for ending hatred against Jews and highlights the fear she has for her children's future. She calls for immediate change and emphasizes the need for CUNY to respond to the concerns raised. The fight against Jew hatred is not over, and they promise to be part of it.
00:25:00 In this section, the speaker, a member of the New York City Council, expresses gratitude for the support against hatred and acknowledges the importance of organizations like End Jew Hatred. They also discuss the anti-Semitism prevalent at the CUNY and the hiring of a professor with controversial views on Palestine. The speaker questions why the university would allow someone like this to teach, likening it to allowing David Duke to speak at a graduation ceremony. They call on the chancellor of CUNY to take immediate action and express that silence is violence when it comes to targeting Jewish students. The next speaker, a New York State Senator, emphasizes the importance of speaking out against such discrimination and states that silence condones the violence.
00:30:00 In this section, the speakers express their frustration and outrage at the continued targeting of Jewish students, professors, and leadership at CUNY. They call for accountability from the chancellor, governor, Senate Majority Leader, assembly speaker, and other political leaders who they believe are responsible for setting policies that allow anti-Semitism to persist. They emphasize the need to make CUNY a safe place for Jewish students and demand an end to funding professors who espouse hate. They also highlight the nationwide problem of anti-Semitism on college campuses and call for unity and action from elected officials and all people, regardless of their background. They emphasize the urgency of the situation, as anti-Semitism has only worsened over time, and state that they will continue to fight until they see meaningful change.
00:35:00 In this section of the video, speakers at the CUNY rally express their anger and frustration at the university's lack of action against anti-Semitism. They call out Mark Lamont Hill for his controversial comments and question why he would be allowed to be a commencement speaker. They emphasize the need for CUNY to listen to the demands of the Jewish community and vow to continue fighting until change is made. The speakers are grateful for the support of the crowd and elected officials, and they are determined to keep mobilizing and increasing the pressure until their voices are heard.
