CALIFORNIA – Jay Sures, a member of the University of California Board of Regents, has strongly criticized the online appearance of a Palestinian car bomber at an event at the University of California, Berkeley.
Mr. Sures described the event as “outrageous” and “unacceptable,” while asserting that certain groups within the university environment tend to promote and justify antisemitism.
The individual featured in the event was Israa Jaabis, who was previously accused of attempting to detonate a gas canister in Jerusalem. The incident caused serious injuries to both herself and a police officer.
Jaabis spoke via video during the “Palestine Political Prisoners Day” event on April 20, held for Berkeley law students.
The event was organized by the group Students for Justice in Palestine and received mixed reactions from the community.
Mr. Sures contended that the organization promotes anti-Zionist rhetoric, which in turn fosters antisemitism on campus.
However, he also acknowledged that under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, student groups have the right to free speech and to organize events.
The incident takes place against a backdrop of increasing tensions surrounding political and social activism at American universities.
