Everything you need to know regarding the Palestine Writes event at Penn

For college students, campus is not just the center of their academic experience, it is also their home. While campuses should, of course, be places where principles of freedom of speech are honored, universities must speak out forcefully when hate descends on campus. University leadership must make clear that they do not condone any form of hate speech or bigotry, nor do they welcome it on campus.

All eyes have been on the University of Pennsylvania and the Palestine Writes event, a gathering meant to give voice to Palestinian art, poetry, and literature on campus. Penn students Maya Harpaz and Jonah Miller take you through what unfolded.

This weekend’s Palestine Writes event at the University of Pennsylvania has caused a great deal of controversy. While the event’s stated aim is to celebrate Palestinian culture, it has become a platform for deeply problematic content, including speakers with well-established records of antisemitic rhetoric, along with programs and materials that present distortive and bigoted views of Israel and Zionism.

The Palestine Writes event at University of Pennsylvania made headlines for hosting antisemitic speakers. The Jewish community on campus responded by convening a 500-student strong Unity Shabbat hosted by Penn Hillel. Watch this video and hear from Penn students who were there to witness this powerful gathering firsthand.

American Jewish Committee (AJC) remains deeply disturbed by the inclusion of speakers with well-documented track records of spewing antisemitic venom at the Palestine Writes event at the University of Pennsylvania. AJC believes that the university and affiliated departments need to make clear that they will not be associated with an event that hosts such hateful speakers and will ensure a safe and welcoming environment for Jewish students. AJC also believes the university needs to closely examine the process by which such programs are endorsed and funded by the university or its departments. AJC continues to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community at Penn. AJC CEO Ted Deutch will join Penn Unity Shabbat on Friday night to stand with Penn’s Jewish community during this time and celebrate the resilience of these students in the face of antisemitic bigotry. 

Maya Harpaz, a junior at University of Pennsylvania and VP of Israel Engagement at Penn Hillel, offers a powerful response to the Palestine Writes event on campus.

Here is American Jewish Committee's Campus Library - Resources to help students in high school, college, and beyond become well-informed and effective advocates for Israel and the Jewish people.

Since this event was announced, American Jewish Committee (AJC) has been in close contact with Jewish students at the University of Pennsylvania, along with Jewish organizations on campus, and university administrators.

AJC's Task Force has created this guide for higher education administrators to consult in order to implement the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism.

Embracing your Jewish identity while thriving on campus is an incredible journey, and we want you to know that American Jewish Committee (AJC) is here to support you every step of the way.

Our Campus Affairs department supports Jewish students and their allies. By facilitating lasting coalitions, practicing effective advocacy and messaging, and crafting meaningful educational experiences, American Jewish Committee (AJC) is working to build a more secure, open, and positive campus environment.