Assalamualikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
Today is 24 January, 2024 / 12 Rajab 1445

Majlis Ash-Shura of New York Announces Support for NJ Coalition-Led Initiative on Academic Freedom and Stands Against Weaponization of Antisemitism

(New York, NY 1/24/2024) Majlis Ash-Shura of New York is honored to announce its partnership and co-signature in an important initiative primarily led and distributed by the New Jersey Coalition. This collaborative effort, also supported by numerous religious institutions, civil rights organizations, bar associations, faculty, and concerned individuals, is dedicated to advocating for academic freedom and addressing the concerning trend of the weaponization of antisemitism allegations, which threatens to undermine free speech and silence critical voices.

While the NJ Coalition spearheaded this initiative and was responsible for the distribution of the related communication, Majlis Ash-Shura of New York proudly stands as a co-signer and supporter, underscoring our commitment to the principles advocated in this campaign.

The incidents at Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania have illuminated the urgency of confronting the strategic misuse of antisemitism allegations. This misuse not only detracts from addressing real antisemitism but also threatens the core principles of academic freedom and the right to free speech.

Majlis Ash-Shura of New York aligns itself with the message of the NJ Coalition and all co-signatories of this initiative. We firmly believe in the importance of maintaining the right to freely express legitimate criticism of any governments policies, including those of the Israeli government, without the risk of being unjustly labeled as antisemitic. The conflation of such criticism with antisemitism is a significant concern, threatening the essence of democratic dialogue and the pursuit of truth and justice.

We stand united with the NJ Coalition and all who are part of this significant initiative. We urge all concerned parties to respect the autonomy of academic institutions and the constitutional rights of individuals. A resolute commitment to the principles of free speech and academic freedom, free from governmental interference and the scourge of bigotry, is essential for a just and equitable society.

We call upon our members and the broader community to reflect on these issues and join us in our stand for justice, moral integrity, and the protection of the constitutional rights of free expression and academic independence.

Sincerely,

Abdelhafid Djemil, PhD
President
Majlis Ash-Shura of NY
Islamic Leadership Council of NY