UC Davis To Establish Non-Antisemite-Free Space

“If it really becomes necessary we can just give them the Hillel House.”

Davis, CA, May 25 – Administrators at the University of California at Davis have announced plans to find an appropriate venue for a facility open only to antisemites, hoping to provide anti-Israel and anti-Jewish students with a place on campus that affords them shelter from notions that challenge their deeply-held hatreds.

University Provost Molly Koddler informed student body representatives Monday that the administration will set aside a building, or at least a separate space within a building, to allow antisemites to congregate by themselves. In a notice posted on the university website this morning, Koddler explained that BDS activists and other antisemtitic students needed a safe space where they would not be confronted with ideas counter to their world view, and would not be forced to experience the unpleasantness of noticing the negative aspects or consequences of that view.

“For years now, students made uncomfortable by the very notion of Israel, let alone Israel defending itself, have had no choice but to see Jews and supporters of Israel walking about freely, exposing all who surround them to what they represent,” read the notice. “The administration has therefore decided, after consulting with student leaders, to create a space that gives students choice whether to inhabit a space where the humanity of Jews, or their right to a state in their historical homeland, is accepted.”

Administration and student representatives explained that the sight of Jews walking around unmolested made a number of social activists feel threatened. “Some of our polity hail from communities where that is simply not tolerated,” said sophomore Renya Zarif, who is active in Students for Justice in Palestine. “We welcome the university’s decision to accommodate the emotional needs of those students. I hope the safe space is made available soon, because its hard for me to engage in my Middle East Studies properly when I’m constantly confronted with the sight of literally dozens of Jews and people who don’t hate them. Can you imagine how hard it makes my life as a student? I desperately need a non-antisemite-free space where I can just relax and be me.”

Several logistical hurdles remain before the space becomes a reality, said Dean of Students Batchler Vartz. “We already have a space shortage on campus, but this is going to be our top priority for the coming fall semester,” he said in a telephone interview. “As we speak, faculty and administrators are taking a good look at which facilities might be available, or replaced.” Vartz said that while a separate building might be preferable, in the short term the only facilities available might be classrooms.

“Obviously, having to share a building with others, potentially including people who don’t despise Jews, is going to be a challenge for these students, but as I said, such a solution would be temporary,” explained Vartz.

“Besides,” he added, “if it really becomes necessary we can just give them the Hillel House.”