Trump's leadership, and anti-Semitism in America.

In Trump’s first term, Jews were declared to be a minority group protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

And now, just weeks away from beginning his second term, Trump has laid down the law, in a speech he just gave at a rally against antisemitism in Washington.

American universities that fail to combat antisemitism on their campuses should expect severe repercussions, including the loss of accreditation and of federal research contracts.

To “defeat antisemitism and defend Jewish citizens in America,” Trump said he would inform every college president that if they do not “end antisemitic propaganda,” they would lose accreditation and federal support.

He did not say they “may lose” accreditation. Trump said they will lose accreditation, and their share of the billions of dollars in federal support that universities receive. A double blow to their finances and reputation.

“We will not subsidize the creation of terrorist sympathizers, and we’re not going to do it – certainly [not] on American soil,” he said.

Trump added that once in the Oval Office, he would inform all educational institutions that if they permit violence or harassment against Jewish students, they will be “held accountable for violations of the civil rights law.”

“It’s very important – Jewish Americans must have equal protection under the law, and they’re going to get it,” he said. “At the same time, my administration will move swiftly to restore safety for Jewish students [on campuses] and Jewish people on American

streets.”

Many universities have shown themselves incapable of dealing with the surge in antisemitism on their campuses since October 7, 2023.

Deploring antisemitic acts, declaring sympathy with Jewish students, promising solemnly to do better, is not enough.

Nor are those slap-on-the-wrist punishments, where a handful of the worst offenders are suspended from campus for a term, and then that suspension is immediately lifted.

The GOP-led House Education and Workforce Committee in a 122-page report found that the Ivy League university leaders made “an intentional decision” to water down their Oct. 9 statement that still failed to condemn Hamas’ attack, according to documents, some of which were obtained via subpoena.

On many campuses, including Harvard, Columbia, the University of California at Berkeley, the University of Michigan, Jewish students have reported a climate of widespread antisemitism that has been tolerated by administrators.

Lawsuits accusing Harvard University of tolerating antisemitism and making it unbearable for Jewish students to study there are ongoing.

Now Trump has set down the law, threatening to take away both accreditation, which would mean no student access to federal financial aid, and research funds, from colleges and universities that fail to deal adequately with antisemitism.

A new sheriff is in town.

(Hugh Fitzgerald.)

Trump's example of leadership must be followed by weak leaders in other Western countries, specifically Canada, the UK, Holland, France, and Australia.

Barry Shaw,

The View from Israel

Image - Reuters