In recent years, there has been a growing interest in post-colonialism and identity politics on college campuses. This approach divides the world based on gender, sexuality, and race, with those who have been oppressed by colonialism (blacks, Africans, Muslims, Asians) and those who initiated it (whites) being the main players. Whites are often seen as “privileged” or “victims,” while indigenous minorities are celebrated as heroes. There is a tendency to be lenient towards these minorities when they break the law or engage in terrorism. Jews, identified as white-privileged, also face similar perception challenges, with Israel being protested against as part of the old order.
Academia has embraced principles of post-colonialism and identity politics with enthusiasm. However, truth and facts have become dependent on race and gender, leading to condemnation for those who violate them. Courses promoting hatred of Israel are becoming increasingly common on university campuses, along with conferences and intensive activity by Palestinian organizations and progressive Jews who support academic boycotts of Israel.
A global movement advocating for an economic, cultural, diplomatic, and academic boycott against Israel emerged about twenty years ago. Inspired by the hope of ending Israeli actions through similar means as in South Africa, this movement focuses heavily on campus activities using human rights terminology and forming alliances with left-wing human rights organizations.
Anti-Israel sentiment is strongly influenced by media coverage in progressive media outlets that often portray Israel as the villain and Palestinians as victims. Misinformation and fake news on social media further contribute to negative perceptions of Israel among young people on campuses. Efforts to combat these biases have been fragmented with conflicting messages from various government ministries and a lack of coordination among different organizations working towards this cause.