Berkeley's Principles of Community states: We affirm the dignity of all individuals and strive to uphold a just community in which discrimination and hate are not tolerated.

As a deeply concerned member of the UC Berkeley community, I am witnessing an alarming rise in anti-Semitic rallies on our campus. These gatherings are not only promoting hate but are also growing increasingly violent, disrupting the learning environment and preventing students from attending classes. This situation goes beyond the boundaries of free speech; it is a direct threat to our Jewish students' safety. 

Hate language and anti-Semitic graffiti calling for harm against Jewish people have become all too common sights around campus. This kind of behavior must be condemned by UC Berkeley administration and regents in no uncertain terms. It's important to remember that universities should be places where everyone feels safe, regardless of their race or religion. 

Other threatening events at UC Berkeley:

- Excessive weekly/daily protests that disrupt campus life and draw non-students on campus and throughout Berkeley that incite violence 
- A student holding an Israeli flag was assaulted when protesters tried to steal his flag
- The threat of "From the River to the Sea" is a call for destruction of Israel and Jewish people. It is on posters, yelled at other students, and painted in graffiti on Cal campus buildings and on fraternities, sororities, and other student housing.
- Several student groups post "From the River to the Sea" in their social media including Bears for Cal and Berkeley LSJP - law students for Palestine.
- A grad student offered extra credit to attend a rally to protest "settler-colonialism" of Gaza and the university failed to condemn it, but instead asked for other extra credit options after a large response against this discriminatory and biased grading.

According to FBI statistics, hate crimes against Jewish people accounted for 60% of all religion-based hate crimes in 2019 (FBI Hate Crime Statistics Report). Since October 7th Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel, hate crimes against Jewish people have increased a dramatic 400% according to the ADLThe situation at UC Berkeley reflects this disturbing national trend.

We ask that UC Berkeley take immediate action to provide additional security and limit the number of rallies from taking place on campus grounds and interfering with learning and a safe environment. We also urge UC Berkeley to condemn anti-semitism and provide additional support for their Jewish students during this challenging time, ensuring they feel safe within their educational community. We urge Berkeley to create a task force to fight anti-semitism and celebrate the diversity of religions and ethnicities on campus.

While Berkeley's Free Speech movement is a long standing tradition, we ask that Berkeley condemn violent rhetoric at the Pro-Palestinian rallies that celebrate terrorism or incite violence. Celebrating "Martyrs", the theme of the rally posted by Bears for Palestine is celebrating the October 7th violence of the Hamas attacks. The phrase "From the River to the Sea" is a call to jihad to eliminate Israel and Jewish people. It is terrifying for Jewish and Israeli students, it normalizes Jewish hate, and promotes Islamaphobia. It should not be tolerated from student groups at UC Berkeley! The statement goes against Berkeley's Principles of Community which explicitly states: We affirm the dignity of all individuals and strive to uphold a just community in which discrimination and hate are not tolerated.

The right to education should never be compromised by fear or intimidation. Let's make sure our university remains a place where diversity is celebrated and every student can thrive without fear of discrimination or violence. We ask that UC Berkeley unequivocally condemn antisemitism and terrorism. 

Sign this petition now if you believe in creating a safer environment for ALL students at UC Berkeley.