When antisemitism is more than free speech
Pro-Palestinian protesters on the Stony Brook University campus in October 2024. Credit: Tom Lambui
I thank President Donald Trump for having the courage to take a commonsense approach against the rise of antisemitism on campuses across this country [“Trump’s antisemitism order raises free speech concerns,” News, Feb. 2]. While freedom of speech is a protected right in the Constitution, it was never intended to be absolute.
The pro-Palestinian protesters’ words and actions often provoke unlawful behavior. Some of these students have communicated intent to commit violence against Jews. Hamas wants the annihilation of Israel.
The acceptance of this type of behavior needs to end, and the president has taken one small step in the right direction.
— Larry Horn, East Norwich
The hate from which my Jewish family fled the Soviet Union is back, not just in distant countries but here on Long Island, on social media, and in this country’s political discourse.
The Oct. 7 Hamas attack brought a spike in antisemitic incidents, including slurs on subway walls and graffiti in parks. It’s more than just words. It’s a message: Jews don’t belong.
We need leadership to combat antisemitism. Donald Trump has the responsibility to prioritize this fight. His words and actions will shape our country’s future, and it’s time to actively protect Jewish communities.
The responsibility to fight antisemitism can’t fall solely on high school students like me or Jewish communities — those in power, like the president, must take it up.
— Gregory Lyakhov, Great Neck
Newsday should provide a definition of “antisemitism” because it is often misused to describe legitimate criticism of Israeli government actions.
Antisemitism is discrimination against Jews because of our religion. It cannot be used interchangeably with criticism of the Israeli government’s treatment of Palestinians.
A good percentage of those protesting Israel’s bombing and destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure, housing, hospitals, schools, and shelters, and the complicity of then-President Joe Biden’s administration were Jews ourselves.
Donald Trump’s administration will inevitably follow a similar playbook, falsely accusing future protesters against its policies as being anti-American. It will be the responsibility of the media to point out this fallacy.
— Matt Frisch, Oyster Bay
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