An Insider's Account of Columbia's Pro-Hamas Protests - with Shai Davidai
Apr 26, 2024
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Shai Davidai, Assistant Professor at Columbia Business School, shares firsthand accounts of antisemitism at Columbia, discussing pro-Hamas protests, the rise of anti-Semitism, campus politics, academic experiences, and navigating Israeli and American identities.
Recognizing the deceptive nature of activism and the true presence of hate in pro-Hamas protests at Columbia University.
Emphasizing the interconnectedness of safety and acceptance for Jews globally and the struggle with identity faced by an Israeli academic in the US.
Navigating the challenges of addressing extremist ideologies within academia and advocating for inclusivity amidst polarizing viewpoints at Columbia University.
Deep dives
The Shock of Hate Disguised as Activism
Discovering a pro-Hamas and pro-Islamic jihad protest at an academia leading to a realization that it was not politics or ideology but actual hate was a profound and emotional experience. The personal impact of witnessing anti-Semitic sentiments akin to those described by literary figures like Bialik and Hetzel left a lasting impression on the speaker, highlighting the deceptive nature of some forms of activism.
Navigating Identity and Belonging
The struggle with identity and belonging surfaces as an Israeli academic reflects on his 14-year experience in the US and the unsettling realization that New York City made him and his family feel unwelcome. The complexities of embracing a dual cultural identity parallel the speaker's commitment to fighting for inclusivity and acceptance, emphasizing the interconnectedness of safety and acceptance for Jews globally.
Challenges at Columbia University
An assistant professor's attempts to address escalating tensions and extremist ideologies at Columbia University underscore the contentious environment within academia. The portrayal of efforts to inject sanity amidst chaos sheds light on the challenges faced by faculty members like Shai Davidai in navigating polarizing viewpoints and advocating against hate-driven agendas.
Global Implications of Anti-Semitic Extremism
The sentiment of Jews' safety being interlinked across locations like New York City, Paris, and Israel unveils a broader narrative of shared destinies and common threats. The recognition of collective vulnerabilities emphasizes the need for unity and resilience against anti-Semitic hate, aligning the contemporary struggle with historical narratives and global movements.
Concerns about the President of Columbia University
The speaker raises concerns about the President of Columbia University, highlighting instances where she allegedly lied under oath during a congressional testimony. The President's actions, including authorizing the NYPD to remove protesters and get involved in legal issues, are scrutinized for potential misconduct. Additionally, there are discussions about the President's conflicting responses and her lack of transparency in dealing with campus issues.
Challenges in Academic Environment
The episode sheds light on challenges within academic institutions like Columbia University. It points out a lack of diverse viewpoints, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and opposing perspectives in education. The discussions delve into how universities like Columbia may prioritize social activism over fostering genuine critical thinking, potentially leading to indoctrination. The issue of accountability is raised, calling for transparency in university funding, student and faculty actions, and the importance of restoring accountability in academia and Congress.
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Since 10/07, no faculty member at Columbia University (or any university for that matter) has been more outspoken about the shocking and staggering rise in antisemitism than Shai Davidai. He brings his first-hand accounts to our conversation today.
Shai is Assistant Professor in the Management Division of Columbia Business School. He received his PhD from Cornell University in 2015. Prior to joining Columbia Business School, Shai spent a year as a post-doctoral fellow at Princeton University and 3 years as an Assistant Professor of Psychology at The New School for Social Research.
Since Columbia students established the most recent pro-Hamas encampment on the Columbia campus days ago, Israeli-born and raised Shai Davidai has been barred from campus.
Having just now arrived in Israel, Shai joins us in Tel Aviv today to describe what exactly has been happening since 10/07, the early signs of antisemitism he identified at Columbia well before 10/07, and the common misunderstandings and misinterpretations of the rhetoric and incitement being used by a number of Columbia student organizations and faculty.
You can follow Shai on X here: @ShaiDavidai
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