That part I understand. I, too, find it difficult to put to paper the suggestion I’m going to make. Unlike Neve Gordon, I actually live in Beersheba, home of BGU, which happens to be one of the biggest employers in our fair city. Many of my friends work for or are associated with BGU in some way. Normally, I’d fall on my own sword before doing anything that would hurt them or their families in any way.
But, as Gordon himself notes, the situation is serious. If we want to save BGU, some tough action is required. Gordon suggests a boycott as a way to gain Israel’s attention. So why not a boycott of BGU, to get Carmi’s attention?
Not only has Carmi not taken steps to reprove or reform her wayward department head, she’s done precisely the opposite, not only promoting him but endorsing him, supporting him, defending him, repeatedly terming his vicious hate propaganda “serious and distinguished research into human rights.”
This can’t go on. So here’s my proposal: In order to save BGU from itself, I think a boycott is in order. If we want to save Beersheba’s much-loved Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, we must boycott it.
Don’t send students to BGU. Don’t send money. Send a message. Enough is enough.