Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County’s Post

When are people going to protest the protestors? If you’re protesting for peace in this world and have any shred of integrity, you have to condemn those not protesting peacefully. I’ll just come out and say it. If you don’t, that makes you a hypocrite. Because it started with calls for violence against Jews, and maybe, sickly, you were okay with that. But now they’re calling to behead administrators on GW's campus (see below). Next it will be politicians. They're finding weapons now. It's getting bad. Real bad. You might not know what fire you’re playing with, but we do. It starts with us and ends with you. And this will end badly, with mass violence, a mass shooting, a stabbing of a college kid, an old man just cause he’s Jewish. And we all know that they’re protesting Jews, not Israel. Why else would innocent kids on a college campus get harassed? I’d love for people to be honest about that too. Hard core anti-semitism has nothing to do with Jews. It’s about blind hate, blaming the other cause you hate the world, misplaced rage. It has nothing to do with me sitting down on Friday night eating challah. Everyone is entitled to believe the Palestinians should have a state. Everyone is entitled to question the IDF. Everyone is entitled to have sympathy for Gazans. Heck, I do. After all, they have Hamas as their leaders, and they'd have it good except their leadership steals everything so they can live like billionaires and build tunnels rather than schools, and use pipes meant for water delivery to make missiles instead. So that stinks for two peoples. But the rhetoric needs to tone down. Seriously. On the streets and on this site. It’s gonna get people killed. Either you’re okay with that, or you get what I’m saying, that maybe demonizing Jews and the Jewish state isn’t the way to go. There are professional agitators in the mix with bad blood, who want to do bad things, and that needs to be condemned by all. ALL! There are three groups it seems. Those who can differentiate between Hamas and the average Palestinian. Those who support Hamas cause they don’t know better. And those who support Hamas cause they have violent, extremist religious tendencies aimed at Jews and the West. Time to call out anyone who supports Hamas, especially that last group there. What kind of world do we want? How far is too far, no matter the cause? When is enough enough? You’ve been warned. Tone it down. Speak up. Condemn. Or it will end truly badly and soon. If you say I have blood on my hands cause I'm pro-Israel, then you will have blood on yours if you continue to support these protests.

Wise advice from Professor Fung.

Our latest @BroadAndLiberty piece examines the conflict between unlawful protest groups and prosecutors sharing the same funding sources. What are your thoughts? Share and comment 👇 https://lnkd.in/eERaggPF

📣An Urgent Update: Hateful Protest at U of T Inspired by the vicious protests at American universities, hateful activists have now set up encampments on various Canadian campuses—including at the University of Toronto. Yesterday, hundreds of protestors converged on the campus to support the encampment. The shameful scene included chants of “all the Zionists are racists” and “go back to Europe” graffiti. While U of T declared https://lnkd.in/gDqd6_8J the protest unauthorized and gave a deadline of 10:00 PM for protestors to leave, it also stated it did not intend to remove the protestors as long as they remained peaceful. Giving ground to extremists only emboldens them. Through our partners Hillel Ontario and CIJA, we are urging U of T and other universities across Canada to take immediate action. But we need your voice—and we’re calling on our entire community to take united action today. If you are a Canadian university graduate or student (or the parent or grandparent of a student), please email the president of your university right now. Our message is clear: We expect universities to enforce campus rules, keep off-campus extremists off campus, hold accountable those who spread hate, and protect Jewish students. Students who work hard and pay for the privilege of learning shouldn’t have to put up with this—and it must end now before it escalates further. If you are a U of T alum or parent, click here- president@utoronto.ca to email the university president. If you are affiliated with another university in Canada, we encourage you to email your university and urge them to be prepared to take meaningful action against protest encampments. We’ll continue to keep our community updated about this rapidly evolving issue.

WHAT THEY ARE NOT TELLING YOU ABOUT THE COLLEGE PROTEST NO ONE GIVES A RIP ABOUT YOUR "COMFORT" The student protestors have had training in nonviolent protesting. Under the pretext of "negotiating" the universities proposed three options two of which were basically telling the students to shut up and do what the universities say and the third option saying if you do not want options 1 and 2 , you' re implicitly saying you want civil unrest. The so-called "antisemitism" bill that has been passed is nothing more than a bill to impede the right to free speech of the students. The so-called Jewish students have supposedly indicated the protestors "make them feel uncomfortable". I mean no disrespect, but no one up to and including the US laws should give a rip about the "comfort" of the so-called Jews or anyone else. In my opinion, these bills are only going to make the collective situations of the so-called Jews worse rather than better. On its face, the politicians making laws because so-called Jews do not feel "comfortable" with Palestinians being wiped off the face of the planet could leave a very bad taste in the collective mouths of the world. So-called Jews nor anyone else has any right not to be challenged politically or intellectually. What people do have a right to is the right to safety. No one is challenging the safety of the so-called Jews on campuses. In fact, it has been reported that the so-called guards and police on campuses are the ones fomenting violence not the student protestors. Our so-called Jewish brothers and sisters calling for laws to be created because they do not "feel comfortable" could also give the impression they are pro-Israel in the genocide of our Palestinian brothers and sisters. That will not be a good look for anyone. Peace Ronnie

I hope and pray for peace and for America to find ways to work together regardless of political affiliation. I am seeing the demise of our country right in front of my eyes and there is very little I can do. And it's not as easy as blaming one political party over the others. That view is not only wrong but it is ignorant. It is a very simplistic but easy view to take and to be candid, it's what is ruining America. We are first Americans and then affiliated by a party but now we have that vice versa and we have the extremists on both sides running their parties while the majority of us are somewhere near the center. I am a proud centrist. Proud because centrists bring people together and not apart. Proud because centrists can understand either party's position and even side with the other party when he/she thinks they are right. I feel compelled to write about the college protests going on throughout the United States. Let me start with some high-level views. First, I am a great believer in free speech. Second, I am very supportive of peaceful protests done pursuant to the law. Third, I have no issue with people speaking and protesting about views I unequivocally disagree with, Fourth, I want peace in the Middle East. I hate the killing of innocent children (and adults) and the inability for a "real" peace to occur. What I can't support is an antisemitic movement masked by a pro-Palestinian protest. What I can't stand is professional protestors with no allegiance to a cause but only money spearheading these protests. What I have disdain for is many of the protestors on campus are not even students. What I abhor is protestors not even understanding why they are protesting and who have no idea of the complicated history in the Middle East and no idea what "from the sea to the river means." What I hate is the brain manipulation that is being done on young college students who have no clue why they are protesting. The "dummying up" of America is happening on college campuses - this is the opposite of what college needs to be about. What I will not accept is protestors hailing Hamas as saviors and the victims and not even understanding the difference between Palestinians and Hamas. What I hate is the ignoring of what happened October 6, 2023. At least be consistent in your views of innocent people dying. To ignore what happened in October is confirmation of your singular purpose. What I don't like is protests impacting parents' ability to get their kids from schools or a son trying to fly to another city to see his ailing father but because of protests by the airport is not able to make his plane. What I detest is our children (our future) not being able to get an education because of these protests. If the protestors believe their actions are leading to a change of mind and heart in Americans, they are sorely wrong. It is having the opposite effect. I hope and pray for peace. That's what we should all be hoping for.

IN THE MIDST OF COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES, PROTEST HAS COME TO THE UNIVERSITY WHERE I HAVE BEEN AN ADJUNCT PROFESSOR OF LAW FOR THE PAST DECADE. THIS FROM THE UNIVERSITY'S LEADERSHIP THIS MORNING: Drexel Public Safety<drexel@alerts.drexel.edu> To: "Castagnera,James" <joc25@drexel.edu> An estimated 75 pro-Palestinian protesters began to set up an encampment on campus at the Korman Quad. The protesters gathered at City Hall and marched to campus as part of Philly Palestine Coalition’s Nakba Day march to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.    With campus demonstrations occurring across the country, the setting up on an encampment on Drexel's campus raises understandable concerns about ensuring everyone’s safety. There have been many well-documented instances of hateful speech and intimidating behavior at other campus demonstrations.   Drexel Police and Public Safety are closely monitoring this demonstration to ensure that it is peaceful and non-disruptive to normal operations, and that participants and passersby will behave respectfully toward one another. We will be prepared to respond quickly to any disruptive or threatening behavior by anyone.   To underscore the point: We will not tolerate the destruction of property; the harassment or intimidation of our students, faculty or professional staff; or threatening behavior of any kind, including speech that is explicitly racist, antisemitic, or Islamophobic, that creates a hostile environment for members of our community based on race, color, national origin, religious affiliation, or shared ancestry. Nor will we allow anyone who is not a member of the Drexel community to trespass into our buildings and student residences. At the present time, our buildings are on lockdown and open only to those with clearance from Drexel’s Public Safety.   We will keep you apprised of developments as events unfold.  ********************************************************************* As a child of the Sixties, I get some real deja vu vibes, when I read an email like this. The question in my mind this morning is how much will these protests mushroom. With commencements occurring all across the country, higher ed is easing into the summer session, which typically involves a much, much smaller student population on campus. Additionally, so many faculty and staff now do most of their work remotely, that college campuses are not nearly such bustling places, even during spring and fall terms, as they were pre-pandemic. And governors have been smart enough not to risk a repeat of the Kent State shootings of May 1970. Even so, my memories were stirred. Let me share one with you.

Here are 20 rules often considered important in protests: 1. Non-violence: Maintain peaceful conduct to achieve moral high ground and public sympathy. 2. Unity: Present a unified front to amplify the message and strength of the protest. 3. Clear Message: Have a clear and concise message or demands to convey to the public and authorities. 4. Organization: Plan and coordinate logistics, such as routes, timing, and supplies, to ensure effectiveness. 5. Leadership: Appoint or identify leaders to guide the protest and make decisions when necessary. 6. Respect: Respect private property and avoid vandalism to maintain legitimacy. 7. Legal Knowledge: Understand local laws and regulations related to protest activities. 8. Visibility: Choose strategic locations or routes to maximize visibility and impact. 9. Media Relations: Engage with media to communicate the protest's purpose and goals. 10. Safety: Prioritize the safety and well-being of participants through proper planning and precautions. 11. Resilience: Be prepared for challenges and setbacks, and remain resilient in the face of opposition. 12. Adaptability: Be flexible and willing to adjust tactics or strategies based on changing circumstances. 13. Inclusivity: Welcome diverse voices and perspectives to broaden support and representation. 14. Documentation: Document the protest through photos, videos, and testimonials for accountability and future advocacy. 15. Communication: Utilize social media and other channels to coordinate, mobilize, and update participants. 16. Awareness of Provocation: Be vigilant against potential provocateurs seeking to incite violence or discredit the protest. 17. Legal Support: Have legal observers or support available to assist participants if needed. 18. De-escalation: Practice de-escalation techniques to defuse tensions and prevent conflicts. 19. Long-term Strategy: Consider the long-term goals and impacts of the protest beyond immediate actions. 20. Reflection and Evaluation: Reflect on the effectiveness of the protest and evaluate lessons learned for future actions.

WHAT I LEARNED FROM SOME OF THE GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSES TO THE PLANNED PROTEST Beating on every side as a result of the increasing economic hardship and hyperinflation, Nigerians have decided it's time to show their grievances with a planned nationwide protest. In response to these protest plans, the government has been deploying different strategies to prevent the protests. While I do not support the government's attempt to stop the protest, I have learned some valuable lessons from their actions. First, the government organized town hall meetings through community leaders to encourage parents to ensure their children do not participate in the protest. As a development communication professional, I find this approach interesting because we believe in getting the buy-in of an individual, one has to go from the community level to interpersonal relationships such as family and then the individual. In my experience, I have used the family-focused strategy to effect change. I have worked with women who are mothers, sisters, and wives in reaching out to the men. The family is the smallest unit of every community but a very powerful force for effecting change. It's no surprise that the government adopted the strategy Secondly, some people are being used as anti-protest agents who are primed to advocate against the protest within communities. This shows me that advocacy might be difficult if there are no foot soldiers within target communities to advocate the change among their peers. That's why strategies such as listener clubs and focus groups are important, where some members of the community are trained to understand the aims and objectives of the project. These groups take their new knowledge back home to educate their circle. This makes advocacy easier because those people become foot soldiers for the cause. It will be easier for other people to commit to change because they can identify with some of the people advocating the cause. This also informs the idea of network marketing that many businesses adopt to boost their sales. The government's response has emphasized to me that we are wired to be social beings. And the way to reach individuals is to work through their interpersonal relationships. #C4D #SDGs #Endbadgovernanceprotest