NORTH JERSEY — Today, April 2, 2024, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) released the below statement on the Rutgers Student Assembly Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) referendums.

President Holloway’s statement can be found here.

“I strongly condemn the Rutgers student body vote on two antisemitic BDS resolutions calling on the state university to divest its financial investments and its academic affiliations with America’s key ally, Israel.

Under New Jersey state law, it is illegal for New Jersey state pension and annuity funds to invest in companies that boycott Israel or Israeli businesses.

While it’s absolutely acceptable for students and faculty to speak their minds and disagree, the goal of the BDS movement is the eradication of the democratic State of Israel, America’s critical ally. It is unacceptable and has no place on college campuses or in our country. 

Administrators at colleges and universities across the country have a legal obligation to protect Jewish students against antisemitism, harassment, and intimidation. This is especially true at a time when antisemitic acts and hate-driven violence are at record levels, especially on college campuses, including at Rutgers.  

Many institutions at Rutgers have been the subject of antisemitic and hate-driven attacks. Anonymous protesters have gathered outside of the Chabad House, destroyed hostage posters, and verbally assaulted Jewish students. In November, prosecutors charged a Rutgers student with bias intimidation, making terroristic threats, and false public alarm after posting threats on social media to kill an Israeli student from the AEPi fraternity.

I thank and appreciate Rutgers President Holloway for his statement denouncing these antisemitic and anti-Israel referendums.”

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