Roth Institute Statement Regarding the Current Wave of Violence
A statement by the Roth Institute
As scholars of Jewish and European histories who have spent the better part of the past two decades researching, writing and teaching about antisemitism, racism and their corrosive impact on a range of individuals and societies, we categorically condemn the recent acts of internecine violence in Lod (Lyd) and Bat Yam, Acre and Haifa, Jafa and Jerusalem (Al-Quds) as well as the ugly campaigns of hate that preceded, inspired and enabled them.
As residents of rich multi-cultural and multi-ethnic cities like Haifa, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv- Jafa, we call on leaders and residents to reject forcefully the rhetoric of hate and fear and to embrace the multiplicity of cultures and peoples that together compose and enrich our urban environments and daily lives.
As educators, we encourage our colleagues at universities, colleges and other institutions in Israel, the Palestinian Territories and elsewhere to rededicate their energies to researching, teaching and talking about the dangers posed by poisonous rhetoric, hate-filled bullies and demagogic politicians who prey on and manipulate fear and prejudice.
As parents concerned about the impact of these events on future generations, we would like to note that regardless of exactly how the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians will be resolved, Muslims, Christians, Jews and a range of other peoples will continue to live in this region, side by side, forever intertwined on a myriad of levels and in a number of different ways as neighbors, colleagues and friends.
Prof. Amos Morris-Reich
Director, Roth Institute for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism and Racism Tel Aviv University
Dr. Anat Vaturi
Deputy Director, Roth Institute for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism and Racism Tel Aviv University
Dr. Scott Ury
Past Director, Roth Institute for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism and Racism, 2010- 2020
Tel Aviv University
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