Stop BSD

Dear Academics, 

I was asked to write you concerning the BSD anti-Israeli movement. I was asked to challenge you according to your Regents Policy on Course Content. I know nothing about that policy, but have been advised: 

UC Riverside is allowing an undergraduate to teach a course that will spend several weeks on “Settler-Colonialism and Apartheid;” Discussion “on checkpoints, the wall, and occupation;” Discourse on Palestinian “Refugeehood and Exile” and the “Palestinian Diaspora;” A guest speaker on the topic of “the history of the Palestinian struggle and exile;” Exploring “possibilities for the future of the struggle and Palestinian people.” ... This violates the UC Regents Policy on Course Content that prohibits political indoctrination in the classroom.

I really can’t comment authoritatively in this challenge except to say it does sound as if the thing needs a serious inquiry according to your policies. 

But I do know something about Israel.

There are less than 20 Million Jews throughout the whole earth. That is about 1/4 of ONE PERCENT of the 7+ Billion people alive today. Why does this very small people group deserve such opposition and cruelty? If you’re a christian it is inexcusable as you are guided by Jesus' sermon on the mount, AND the two greatest commandments. If you are a liberal it is inexcusable as it is racial discrimination, or religious discrimination or both. If you’re in finance it is not advisable as many of Israel’s financial and business ventures are at the top in productivity, innovation and financial growth.

We talk much about bullying these days. We forget that some of history’s most evil bullies were those who persecuted the Jews... the Pharaoh of Egypt, the kings of Moab, Assyria and Babylon, Rome under the Caesars, Spain under the “Holy” Roman Empire, Russia under the czars and the communists, Germany under Hitler; all were led by bullies and became bullies. In the past and again today the Islamic people of some 20+ nations cower under the boots of their leaders and their terrorists. Muslims with few exceptions are bullies of Jews and Christians or indifferent. 

BDS toward Israel is as liberals like to say: MEAN SPIRITED. In practical terms it is unwise. From Christ’s own words CLEARLY it is NOT love for your enemy Israel to do him harm. 

There is a mystery of God regarding Israel and to that I will not speak much, except to say that as a gentile christian I agree 100% with Jesus who said to the Samaritan women at Jacob’s well:

“Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.” John 4:22

…and I agree 100% with Jehovah who said to Abraham: 

“Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto the land that I will show thee: and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make they name great; and be thou a blessing; and I will bless them that bless thee, and him that curseth thee will I curse: and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” Genesis 12:1-3

Go to God with your Bible and pray for God to show you more (Psalm 2 is a good starting place).

Yours and opposing the BSD movement against Israel

David B Severy 

Baltimore Md.