Q&A
Discussion on Zionism and Jewish identity
1:12:10
·
61 sec
Council Member Vernikov questions Chancellor Matos Rodriguez about his stance on Zionism as part of Jewish identity and whether anti-Zionism constitutes antisemitism. The chancellor provides nuanced responses, leading to some tension in the exchange.
- Chancellor expresses that Zionism's importance to Jewish identity varies among individuals
- Discussion on whether anti-Zionism equates to antisemitism
- The exchange highlights the complexity of defining and addressing antisemitism in the academic context
Inna Vernikov
1:12:10
So that's a yes.
1:12:11
Okay.
1:12:12
And then do you accept the judge's findings that for many Jewish people, Zionism is a part of their Jewish identity?
Felix Matos Rodriguez
1:12:20
That's that's the judge's opinion.
1:12:22
So I So
Inna Vernikov
1:12:23
you agree with the judge's opinion?
1:12:24
Yes?
Felix Matos Rodriguez
1:12:25
I mean, my understanding from talking to Jewish students is that in many cases, it is, and in some, it isn't.
Inna Vernikov
1:12:30
So is that a yes?
1:12:31
You agree with the judge's opinion that Zionism is a core part of Jewish identity?
Felix Matos Rodriguez
1:12:36
Yes?
1:12:36
I think I think it depends on
Inna Vernikov
1:12:38
It's a yes or no.
1:12:39
It doesn't depend on anything.
1:12:40
That
Felix Matos Rodriguez
1:12:41
I cannot give you a yes or no answer.
Inna Vernikov
1:12:43
Okay.
1:12:44
Do you accept that anti Zionism constitutes antisemitism?
1:12:48
The judge put that in his report as well.
1:12:50
Is that a yes or no?
Felix Matos Rodriguez
1:12:51
If if anti Zionism leads to the discrimination, the harassment, and of Jewish, the
Inna Vernikov
1:12:57
That's not my question.
1:12:57
Yes.
1:12:58
That's not my question.
Felix Matos Rodriguez
1:13:01
Well, that's that's my answer.
Inna Vernikov
1:13:05
Does do you accept that anti Zionism is antisemitism?
UNKNOWN
1:13:08
I certainly can.
Inna Vernikov
1:13:09
It can.
1:13:09
It can.
1:13:11
Yes.
