Rising Attacks on Jewish Communities
Recent assaults on Jewish individuals by radicalized pro-Palestinian activists are alarming and becoming increasingly frequent. For instance, last weekend, a group in Boulder, Colorado, threw a Molotov cocktail, resulting in multiple injuries. Additionally, in February, two Israeli embassy personnel were fatally shot outside a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C., while another two Jewish individuals were killed after leaving different synagogues.
The incidents appear to be escalating.
Alan Dershowitz, a prominent legal scholar, expresses concern that the escalating chaos might prompt the Supreme Court to favor security over free speech. “This is something I would prefer to avoid, but it seems we are trending that way,” he stated during a recent discussion.
Dershowitz references historical rulings, noting that the landmark case of Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969)—which established that free speech should be protected unless it incites immediate lawless action—might be reevaluated in light of these violent occurrences.
“The global movement towards Intifadas and chants like ‘From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free’—though they propagate violence—are, in the eyes of the Brandenburg case, still considered protected forms of speech,” he pointed out. Yet, he fears that the next case brought before the Supreme Court could reflect a more security-focused interpretation, leading to a broader understanding of what constitutes incitement, even if it’s somewhat indirect.
In his new book, “Preventive Conditions: The challenge of preventing serious harm while maintaining essential freedom”, Dershowitz argues that while free speech sometimes leads to violence, restricting it in the name of safety isn’t the solution. He suggests there must be a more balanced approach that still honors free expression.
Despite his steadfast beliefs, Dershowitz acknowledges that he may be at personal risk; on the same day that the two embassy staff were killed, he received an honorary degree from a Florida university. A campus security guard approached him, expressing concern over potential “copycat” attacks given his high-profile support for Israel.
“We might witness more such crimes. I believe Hamas desires to incite violence here in the U.S.—that’s their aim,” he contends. “If proactive measures aren’t taken soon, they could definitely succeed.” However, he insists these precautions shouldn’t compromise legitimate forms of constitutional free speech.
Glenn Beck shares Dershowitz’s apprehensions, suggesting that public reactions could lead to heightened censorship after major incidents, similar to post-9/11 sentiments. He worries that society might find itself ensnared in a cycle of repression.
For more insights from their conversation, check out the video clip above.
