PRINCIPLES ON ANTI-SEMITISM AND ANTI-ZIONISM

(Adopted November 8, 2017 by the JCRC)

The principles enunciated below represent the consensus of the Greater Portland Jewish community. They stand as a touchstone for what we, as Jews, believe to be fundamental ideals of decency, opposition to any type of anti-Semitism, and our unwavering support for Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.

Therefore, the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC):

• Condemns the rise in anti-Semitism and racism in the U.S. from all sources, including but not limited to white supremacists, neo-Nazis and other hate groups espousing racial superiority.

• Condemns the upsurge in anti-Semitism on U.S. college campuses as documented by two major studies: Louis D. Brandeis Center/Trinity College (2015) and the Amcha Initiative (2016); supports the right of all university students to a secure campus life, free from threats of physical violence and intimidation.

• Supports the right of the Jewish people to national self-determination while also affirming support for the goal of achieving lasting peace and security for both the Israeli and Palestinian people.

• Recognizes that anti-Semitism, which typically is expressed as assertions of prejudice and intolerance toward Jewish people and culture, is also at times manifested or implied in expressions of anti-Zionism.

• Condemns in the strongest terms all efforts to delegitimize and demonize Israel while acknowledging that legitimate criticism of Israeli policies is not inherently anti-Semitic.

• Rejects calls for academic boycotts of Israeli universities and scholars—or any academic boycott based on ethnicity or nationality—as a fundamental violation of the bedrock principle of academic freedom.

• Recognizes the long history of friendship between Israel and the States of Oregon and Washington based on economic, cultural and academic collaboration and exchange.