Condemnation of Berkeley Event by UC Regent
Jay Sures, a regent for the University of California, criticized a recent virtual appearance by a Palestinian suicide bomber at UC Berkeley.
Sures, who is Jewish and the vice chairman of United Talent Agency, described the event as “disgusting and abhorrent.”
“In the broader context of the University of California, as one of the few Jewish regents, I’m really encouraged by the steps our administration has taken to combat anti-Semitism on campuses,” he mentioned.
However, he acknowledged that instances of groups justifying and glorifying anti-Semitism do occur on various campuses.
The individual in question, Israa Jarvis, spoke to students at a Palestine Political Prisoners Day event held on April 20, where her remarks were met with applause. She emphasized the hope that supporters would help amplify calls for the release of Palestinian prisoners and fight against oppression.
Jarvis had previously been accused of attempting to ignite a gas tank during an encounter with Israeli police in Jerusalem, which resulted in serious injuries for herself and the officer involved.
Sures pointed out that Students for Justice in Palestine, the organization behind the event, was contributing to what he termed “anti-Zionist behavior,” which further fuels anti-Semitism, although he admitted they had the right to host such discussions.
“These groups, under the First Amendment, certainly have a right to free speech,” he stated, recognizing that this is part of life in a country that values such rights.
In a recent incident, Sures addressed issues at UCLA, where he removed certain members of the student government after they condemned the appearance of former Hamas hostage Omer Shem Tov, who endured 505 days in captivity.
Sures expressed his disgust and distress over the students’ strong criticism of Shem Tov’s visit, noting that it seemed they chose not to engage with a person who had experienced such trauma.
He was appointed to the University of California Board of Trustees by former Governor Jerry Brown in 2019.
