A Cal Student's Point Of View

If Chancellor Berdahl thinks a group of students chanting in the lobby of Wheeler Hall is disrupting education, then maybe he should see what students who participated in the UC Education Abroad Program at Hebrew University in Jerusalem have been through this year.

Maybe he should learn the meaning of the word "piguah" (bomb). Maybe he should see relatives crying in front of the hospital after an attack. Maybe he should have a professor miss class because he was called up to the army. Maybe he should hear the gunshots that killed two girls on their way home from school. Maybe he should hear the explosions and sirens downtown.

Living and learning in Israel for the past year has allowed me to grasp how people feel while living through this conflict. In Israel, people wake up every day not knowing what kind of violence might occur. The rhetoric surrounding this conflict leads to the presumption that the cycle of violence won't end within the near future. Nevertheless, people here still envision a time when "enough is enough." The situation here cannot continue this way forever.

In spite of all the downsides, I feel privileged to have had an opportunity to study in Israel this year. I have been to many new places, made new friends from around the world and have done many new things. Nevertheless, I feel somewhat cheated by my year here. In addition to the safety concerns, the experience this year is much different than in years past. Normally over 600 students study at the Rothberg International School in Jerusalem. This semester, there are less than 60. Many classes have been canceled. Activities for students have been postponed or canceled because of the threat of terror. Worst of all, my base of support within this country, the UC Education Abroad Program, left Israel. I was abandoned and told to go home.

The terrorists who attack Israel are not the only people guilty of carrying on this conflict. Will Youmans speaks of the Israeli military occupation of Bethlehem and the destruction it causes ("We Cannot Ignore Our Sister School," May 7). Neither side is guilt-free in this conflict, and it is important to identify where, why and how this conflict manifests itself. In contrast to his criticism of the actions of the Israeli military, however, his silence regarding the actions of Palestinian militants who consider all of Israel a target for violence is tantamount to condoning the actions of these murderers.

Moreover, we must recognize when a legitimate cause has led to illegitimate actions. There are differences between bus bombings and bus boycotts. There are differences between combat zones and cafes. It is important to recognize when civil disobedience is used to support violent actions. Never should we allow ourselves to use violence as a solution to a conflict.

I wonder if Will Youmans would show such wherewithal and dedication if he had to defend his opinions in an academic debate. Part of me says no, but then again, the true courage of the human spirit comes out under such conditions.

Youmans' biggest challenge right now is how to deflect negative press directed at himself and Students for Justice in Palestine in light of his group's violation of the student code of conduct and the possible suspension of students for their actions.

I think we should allow Chancellor Berdahl to continue doing his job—disciplining students who fail to uphold the "core values" of UC Berkeley. The real question is for Youmans: Will he apply his criticisms of the chancellor to himself?

While pondering the answer, I offer a challenge to Youmans and Students for Justice in Palestine: Make a public statement against the closures, invasions, and attacks that keep UC Berkeley students from getting an education and apologize to those who were disturbed during their exams and classes during the Wheeler Hall occupation. Just like you said, Will, "There is no justification for attacking a university."

David Nusbaum is a student at UC Berkeley.

http://www.dailycal.org/article.asp?id=8681