Obie calls to stop defaming Zionism

To the Editors:

This letter is addressed to those individuals who feel it is appropriate and acceptable to vandalize the campus with the slogan “Zionism = Racism” (or its variants). Your assertion does not only conflate diverse Zionist sentiments—it is also blatantly rude. The manner in which you are “advocating” is discriminatory, not to mention cowardly. Firstly, If someone were to go around scribbling “[Country’s Name] Nationalism is Racism” this would strike the general population of campus as either redundant (i.e.: ALL nationalisms are “racist”), or untrue (how many posters of Che Guevara can you find?)
Secondly, placing the blame for the horrible situation in Israel/Palestine solely on Zionist attitudes is a dangerous re-writing of history, as well as a de-legitimization of the suffering of both Palestinians and Israelis. Those using this kind of sentiment perpetuate anger and ignorance — re-creating conflict — instead of working toward a mutual recognition of the “other’s” pain. This does a tremendous disservice to all Palestinians, Israelis, Muslims and Jews working together toward a peaceful resolution of this conflict.
Lastly, the vandalism of walls, doors and bathrooms is an absolutely crude act. Those responsible are engaging in a ridiculous name-calling made most foul by singling out Zionism as racist. This act attacks me, and all those who care about Israel, in a deeply hurtful manner. You may fashion yourself to be some sort of political outlaw or guerilla, but you are nothing more than a coward — shooting me in the back and then sinking back into the shadows.
Please. Stop defaming Zionism in this way. And please, do not choose to hide behind “Oberlin Students for Anonymous Speech” either: Neither Jews, nor Zionists — a minority within a minority — represent some kind of oppressive majority on this campus or in the world at large. Remember this when you want permission for your “anonymous,” offensive and suppressive speech to inhabit the place where I urinate. If you have issues to present to the college campus, do so civilly and conscientiously — do not be afraid to put your name and face to your beliefs. Most importantly, work towards a peaceful reconciliation and a realistic solution for this terrible situation, which is quickly spiraling out of control. But for heaven’s sake, stop this cowardly harassment.

—Daniel Greenbaum
College senior