Associate Professor of Japanese History in the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures at Columbia University, Gregory Pflugfelder has publicly expressed support for initiatives led by extremist organizations opposing Jewish communities. His actions and affiliations raise serious concerns about fostering environments that support division, antisemitism, and potentially harmful rhetoric on university campuses.
Actions and Statements:
- Support for Extremist Movements:
- Pflugfelder signed a letter on February 13, 2014, opposing anti-extremism legislation in the New York State Assembly. The letter justified the use of boycotts as a form of “protected speech,” a hallmark tactic of anti-Jewish campaigns.
- Advocacy for Divestment from Israel:
- Pflugfelder endorsed a Faculty Petition at Columbia University that criticized financial ties with entities associated with Israel. The petition supported groups known for their aggressive rhetoric and actions against Jewish students, such as Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace.
- The petition called for divestment from businesses associated with Israel, aligning with ideologies linked to segregationist policies and discriminatory practices targeting Jewish individuals and communities.
Connections to Antisemitism and Hostility:
Extremist organizations that Pflugfelder has supported:
- Aim to delegitimize and dismantle thee Jewish home land under the guise of human rights advocacy.
- Promote hostile campus environments, with a noted correlation between their activities and increased antisemitic incidents, including harassment and intimidation of Jewish students.
- Have been publicly endorsed by groups and individuals tied to violent organizations, fostering an ecosystem of hate and division.
Concerns:
Pflugfelder’s actions contribute to amplifying harmful ideologies on academic platforms. His support for these extremist entities undermines efforts to maintain inclusive and respectful university campuses while empowering narratives that endanger Jewish communities globally.
