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The biggest problem in American leadership is being 'too cute' on antisemitism - opinion

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Opinion Sources not specified Context piece
  • Many American leaders are criticized for a "cowardly" approach to antisemitism, offering minimal action while appeasing anti-Israel supporters.
  • The article argues that this inaction emboldens antisemitic acts, citing attacks on synagogues, Jewish students, and individuals across the U.S.
  • Los Angeles is presented as a case study, with the author criticizing the university's "deliberate indifference" and officials' "meaningless words" in response to anti-Jewish incidents.

Steven Burg argues that many American leaders have adopted a "cowardly" stance on antisemitism, offering superficial condemnations while avoiding substantive action to appease their anti-Israel support base. This approach, he contends, effectively grants permission for antisemitic acts to occur, as evidenced by attacks on synagogues, Jewish students, and individuals in public spaces across the country.

saying just enough about antisemitism to sound responsible while doing just enough nothing to stay comfortable with their anti-Israel support base.

— Steven BurgDescribing the approach of many American leaders to antisemitism.

The article points to Los Angeles as a prime example of this pattern. Burg criticizes the University of California for fostering an antisemitic hostile educational environment, citing the Department of Justice's findings of "deliberate indifference" to discrimination against Jewish and Israeli students. He recounts incidents where masked demonstrators attacked Jewish students, yet police intervention was delayed, and official responses were limited to carefully calibrated, "meaningless words."

their lack of action delivers permission slips in practice.

— Steven BurgExplaining the consequence of leaders' inaction on antisemitism.

Burg highlights Spencer Pratt, a celebrity candidate for mayor of Los Angeles, for publicly calling out the city's leadership for being "far too cute" with antisemitism. Pratt's directness, according to Burg, should embarrass elected officials who have perfected the art of the "non-response." The author contrasts these leaders' calculated statements with the reality faced by Jewish communities, where words of concern are offered without corresponding police presence or consequences for perpetrators.

playing what he called “far too cute” with antisemitism.

— Spencer PrattDescribing the approach of Los Angeles leadership to antisemitism.

The piece also references a commencement ceremony at the University of Michigan, where Professor Derek Peterson reportedly cheered on students who had made Jewish life on campus difficult. Burg suggests that such actions, coupled with the university president's passive presence, exemplify the broader issue of leadership failing to confront antisemitism effectively. The author concludes that this "too cute" approach, characterized by statements of outrage without accountability, is a failure of leadership.

deliberate indifference

— Department of JusticeDescribing the University of California's response to discrimination against Jewish and Israeli students.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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