Norman G. Finkelstein Solidarity Campaign

For information about the campaign, see here.

“Without even examing closely the professional merits of the Norman Finkelstein tenure case, which seem to weigh heavily in the candidate’s favor, I believe that that U.S. universities need to be havens of free debate where critical research can take place without intimidation. Norman Finkelstein’s positions on the Israel-Palestinian conflict — and on the political conduct of certain leaders of world Jewry — are very courageous and he has presented them with originality. I would hate to think that his university’s authorities would deny him tenure for expressing his deeply felt convictions and attempting to break through the one-dimensionality of the U.S. political discussion on the role of Israel and the U.S. in today’s world order.” — James Cohen, Dept. of Political Science, University of Paris VIII

For background information, see here.

I would also strongly encourage readers to inform themselves even more about the issue and what is at stake here by reading the comments from Dr. Finkelstein’s supporters as well as Prof. Noam Chomsky’s interview here. Chomsky accuses Dershowitz of launching a “Jihad” to block Norman Finkelstein from getting tenure at Depaul University and provides his own interpretation of what he thinks is going on here:

The subject is no longer the real topic: the crucial facts about Israel, Dershowitz’s vulgar apologetics for them, which sort of are reminiscent of the worst days of Stalinism. We’ve forgotten all of that. We’re now talking about whether Finkelstein did this, that and the other thing. And even if the charges are false, the topic’s been changed. That’s the basis of it.

Also the new organization Muzzlewatch is keeping track of Dershowitz’s witch-hunt, which you can follow by looking for its articles tagged Alan Dershowitz and Finkelstein.

Finally, do consider adding your voice in support of Dr. Finkelstein – and free debate on campuses everywhere – by adding your name to the list of supporters of the Norman G. Finkelstein Solidarity Campaign AND/OR to this online petition as well. Thank you!

Cross-posted @ Filasteen