March 12, 2025
We have been deeply pained by the abhorrent harassment of Jewish students, faculty, and allies and the poor response from too many campus administrators since October 7, 2023. At schools across the country, opposition to Israel’s war against Hamas has too often crossed the line into antisemitism resulting in Jews being physically assaulted, ostracized, prevented from attending classes, and shouted down when lecturing in front of the classroom; it is unacceptable and must end. We appreciate the commitment of those who have condemned these disruptive campus actions, held perpetrators accountable, and appreciate as well those schools that have improved their responses over time.
At the same time, we must be wary of the danger of trampling on civil liberties and tarnishing the transparent justice system that is a hallmark of our nation. We do not know all the details involving the arrest and detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a leader of Columbia University’s demonstrations where targeting of Jews has been particularly virulent. We also do not know yet to what extent he personally is guilty of such targeting. Statements from government officials, including the President and Secretary of State, have given varied pretexts for his arrest and potential deportation. As the facts continue to emerge, we are clear that as Americans, we must protect due process, the essential right to protest, and the expression of free speech, even when such speech is hateful, causes pain, or targets us. There are a range of appropriate ways to condemn and address such problematic speech. As the case proceeds, we expect the government to make its case rooted in the law and that Mr. Khalil will be given the opportunity to defend himself as due process demands.
We appreciate the Administration’s commitment to fighting antisemitism and urge that it do so in ways that strengthen the nation’s core principles, rather than undermine them. Jewish safety and the nation’s greatness – past, present, and future – depend on it. We weaken them at our peril.
Union for Reform Judaism
Shelley Niceley Groff (she/her), Chair
Rabbi Rick Jacobs (he/him), President
Central Conference of American Rabbis
Rabbi Erica Asch (she/her), President
Rabbi Hara E. Person (she/her), Chief Executive
American Conference of Cantors
Cantor Seth Warner (he/him), President
Rachel Roth (she/her), Chief Operating Officer
CCAR statements are grounded in the history of CCAR resolutions and platforms. We strive to represent the overall voice of the CCAR leadership and the Reform rabbinate on critical issues of the day. The CCAR is a diverse community of rabbis, and we recognize the multiplicity of viewpoints that exist within our membership. We encourage those of differing perspectives to engage in respectful dialogue. It is our hope that these statements provide the Reform community with deeper understanding of important issues that impact our lives as Jews and as global citizens.