The course “Apartheid in Israel-Palestine” recognizes a reality accepted by most of the world and opens it up to discussion. Isn’t that what we expect from institutions of higher learning? Fact #1: Israel has been condemned as an apartheid state by Human Rights Watch; Amnesty International; Israel’s own human rights monitor, B’Tselem; members of the EU Parliament; and last year the Presbyterian Church (USA); among others. Fact #2: The International Criminal Court is investigating Israel for the crime of apartheid.
What prevents more public outcry? Several myths—that Israel is “the only democracy in the Middle East,” that the Occupation is temporary (56 years and counting), and that a ”peace process” will soon bring an end to abuses. If Bard’s course allows reality to depose those dangerous myths it will be an educational landmark.
Prof. Lisa Mullenneaux