Jewish Voice for Peace Shabbat: What’s Really Happening?
Ever wondered what goes on behind closed doors at Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) events? Zack Sage Fox went undercover at a JVP Shabbat at Cornell University to find out. Armed with a spy pen, a septum ring, and a British accent, he infiltrated the group to uncover their views on Israel, Zionism, and activism. Spoiler alert: It’s not exactly peaceful.
Anti-Zionism Takes Center Stage
The group made it clear from the start that most attendees identified as non-Zionist or anti-Zionist. When asked if Jews are indigenous to Israel, one member dismissed the idea entirely, calling it “not the right concept.” They even suggested that Jews were better off before Israel existed, Holocaust notwithstanding.
This anti-Zionist stance wasn’t just theoretical. When asked about their experiences with Israel, only one person had actually been to the country. Despite this, they expressed strong disdain for it, revealing a disconnect between their opinions and personal experience.
Resistance: Justified by Any Means Necessary?
The conversation took a sharp turn when the topic of resistance came up. The group openly supported resistance against occupation, with one member stating that such actions are “justified by any means necessary.” This included no condemnation or policing of violent expressions of “rage.”
The discussion also touched on a controversial Cornell professor who described recent events as “exhilarating.” The group seemed unbothered by his remarks, even defending his right to express them.
Fundraising and Social Justice Optics
When asked about their activities on significant dates like October 7th, members mentioned fundraising efforts and distributing pins. However, Zack observed that their activism felt more like adding another badge to their “social justice jacket” rather than engaging in meaningful dialogue or action.
The Reality Behind JVP’s Message
Jewish Voice for Peace brands itself as a movement for justice and peace, but this undercover look paints a different picture. The group appears more focused on anti-Israel rhetoric than fostering constructive solutions or understanding. Their support for resistance “by any means necessary” raises questions about how far they’re willing to go in their activism.
Final Thoughts: Is This Really About Peace?
Zack’s undercover investigation reveals a lot about the current state of anti-Zionist activism within JVP circles. While they claim to stand for peace, their rhetoric and actions suggest otherwise. Whether it’s dismissing Jewish ties to Israel or justifying violent resistance, the group’s narrative seems less about building bridges and more about tearing them down.
For those interested in understanding the complexities of activism and anti-Zionism on college campuses, this glimpse into JVP Shabbat at Cornell provides plenty of food for thought—and maybe some much-needed debate.
