Latest news with #HenryJacksonSociety
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Our terrifyingly anti-Semitic universities are arming students with blatant falsehoods
Ever noticed how the most cretinous conspiracy theories are always preceded by an 'actually'? 'Actually, Paul McCartney died a long time ago.' 'It was actually the Royal family that killed Diana'. 'Everyone knows that 5G was actually responsible for Covid.' A few months ago, a friend's daughter confirmed this when she told me how a fellow student at the same London university had inferred that the Israeli military had 'actually' killed its own civilians on October 7, 2023. What shocked her most wasn't the level of misinformation (though admittedly lamentable, even by misinformation's bottom-feeding standards) but the fact that this was said at a crowded pub table – and that she was the only one out of five students to correct the young woman in question. I thought of that deeply depressing anecdote when I read about a new report, released yesterday, claiming that anti-Jewish narratives are 'flourishing unchecked' on university campuses – thereby contributing to hostility towards Jewish students. According to findings compiled by Helena Ivanov at the trans-Atlantic national security think tank, the Henry Jackson Society, more than 20 per cent of the students questioned (from three unnamed universities) said antisemitic claims were aired in lectures, seminars and class discussions. Meanwhile, a whopping 70 per cent of those polled said disinformation had directly shaped their peers' understanding of the Gaza conflict. It's bad enough that you could get away with airing toxic bilge in a pub, but British universities are praised across the world for their strong academic standards and rigorous research, and if those antisemitic claims are being repeated in teaching environments, it means that either the lecturers aren't refuting them, or that they are doing so in far too feeble a way – as, many say, was the case at Columbia University in the US. Certainly, it makes a mockery of the words 'higher learning.' This is not a 'we're all entitled to our opinions' situation, and how 'generation feelings' may feel about the conflict doesn't come into it. This is a place of learning. Here are the facts. They are immutable. Anything we discuss therefore needs to work on those foundations. Imagine if doctors allowed their interns to make categorically incorrect medical statements ('it's not actually the heart that pumps blood through the body'), or the government put out a series of blatant falsehoods? (OK, bad example). Young minds are particularly malleable, as we know. Now there's a wonderful fact, but also a dangerous one. Because if the people in charge of shaping those minds are being cowardly or deliberately turning a blind eye to any disinformation that suits their agenda, those students will go forth into the world armed with nothing but propaganda and prejudice. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Our terrifyingly anti-Semitic universities are arming students with blatant falsehoods
Ever noticed how the most cretinous conspiracy theories are always preceded by an 'actually'? 'Actually, Paul McCartney died a long time ago.' ' It was actually the Royal family who killed Diana '. 'Everyone knows that 5G was actually responsible for Covid.' A few months ago, a friend's daughter confirmed this when she told me how a fellow student at the same London university had inferred that the Israeli military had 'actually' killed its own civilians on October 7 2023. What shocked her the most wasn't the level of misinformation (though admittedly lamentable, even by misinformation's bottom-feeding standards) but the fact that this was said at a crowded pub table – and that she was the only one out of five students to correct the young woman in question. I thought of that deeply depressing anecdote when I read about a new report, released yesterday, claiming that anti-Jewish narratives are 'flourishing unchecked' on university campuses – thereby contributing to hostility towards Jewish students. According to findings compiled by Helena Ivanov at the trans-Atlantic national security think tank, the Henry Jackson Society, more than 20 per cent of the students questioned (from three unnamed universities) said anti-Semitic claims were aired in lectures, seminars and class discussions. Meanwhile, a whopping 70 per cent of those polled said disinformation had directly shaped their peers' understanding of the Gaza conflict. It's bad enough that you could get away with airing toxic bilge in a pub, but British universities are praised across the world for their strong academic standards and rigorous research, and if those antisemitic claims are being repeated in teaching environments, it means that either the lecturers aren't refuting them, or that they are doing so in far too feeble a way – as, many say, was the case at Columbia University in the US. Certainly, it makes a mockery of the words 'higher learning.' This is not a 'we're all entitled to our opinions' situation, and how 'generation feelings' may feel about the conflict doesn't come into it. This is a place of learning. Here are the facts. They are immutable. Anything we discuss therefore needs to work on those foundations. Imagine if doctors allowed their interns to make categorically incorrect medical statements ('it's not actually the heart that pumps blood through the body'), or the government put out a series of blatant falsehoods? (OK, bad example). Young minds are particularly malleable, as we know. Now there's a wonderful fact, but also a dangerous one. Because if the people in charge of shaping those minds are being cowardly or deliberately turning a blind eye to any disinformation that suits their agenda, those students will go forth into the world armed with nothing but propaganda and prejudice.
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Antisemitic claims being made in University lectures, seminars and talks are 'flourishing unchecked'
A rise in anti-Jewish narratives in university classrooms is 'flourishing unchecked', a new report has claimed. Ongoing Israeli military action in Gaza since October 7 has reportedly led to a spike in 'disinformation' in lectures and seminars. The study by the Henry Jackson Society, a British national security think tank, indicated more than 70 per cent of those polled thought non-factual narratives had directly shaped their peers' understanding of the conflict. With social media cited as the main source, over 20 per cent said 'antisemitic claims' were aired in lectures, seminars and class discussions. Helen Iyanov, the report's author, conducted workshops with dozens of mainly Jewish students at three unnamed universities. Among the 'falsehoods' referenced were claims about the Israeli government and its stance on genocide. The nature of anti-Jewish hate crimes reported often focussed on people appearing to express support for Hamas - a proscribed terrorist organisation in Britain. Hostility on campus was also mentioned, amid reports students were afraid to walk around freely as they hid kippahs and Star of David necklaces. One told researchers: 'In most students' eyes, you are either a "Zionist coloniser", an "apartheid apologist" or a "supporter of Palestinian liberation". A vacuum of nuance and the normalisation of antisemitic beliefs are now intrinsic to campus life.' Speaking at a House of Lords debate last week, Lord Leigh of Hurley, a Conservative life peer, said: 'Members of the National Education Union undertake activities such as clearing Israeli-made food from supermarkets and film themselves doing it and circulate those films.' Baroness Deech, the former head of the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education, went so far as to claim the root of the 'behaviour' is the 'religious teaching that Jews are inferior'. She described lecturers as the 'aggressors', adding: 'It demonstrates the failure of Holocaust education which focuses on dead Jews as a feature of the past and has nothing to say about the long history of antisemitism and the focus of antisemitism today, namely the state of Israel.' The concerns come as the death toll in Gaza has been widely reported as now being more than 50,000 with Israel only yesterday agreeing to resume entry of 'basic' humanitarian aid into Gaza after a nearly three-month blockade. It follows Hamas attacks on October 7 in response to the ongoing occupation of Palestinian land, with the onslaught killing around 1,200 Israeli people and over 250 being taken hostage. Last month, ten British Nationals were accused of deliberately shooting civilians in Gaza while serving with the Israeli military. Alleged war crimes include 'running a bulldozer over a dead body' and a vehicle demolishing part of a hospital, in a 240-page-dossier fronted by one of Britain's most prominent human rights lawyers. The Office for Students said regarding concerns around a rise in anti-Jewish hate: 'Universities will need to have effective policies to protect students from harassment, robust procedures to address it if it occurs, and support for students who experience it. '[We have] published a range of case studies and has shared resources to assist universities in their work to tackle antisemitism. 'This includes a guide to historical myths, persistent accusations and modern misconceptions about Jewish people and the truth behind them.' It comes as Ms Inavov claimed there was a 'profound deficiency in media literacy' among students.
Times
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Times
Antisemitic claims ‘flourishing unchecked' at universities
A rise in antisemitic disinformation — in lecture theatres and classrooms as well as online — is contributing to hostility towards Jews on university campuses, according to a report. The study by the Henry Jackson Society, a British national security think tank, claims that anti-Jewish narratives are 'flourishing unchecked'. Many students cannot tell between factual and fabricated narratives, meaning that propaganda and disinformation can thrive, it says. • We are facing an antisemitism emergency, says education secretary Students surveyed by the study reported an increase in antisemitic disinformation after the atrocity on October 7, 2023 in which Hamas attacked Israel, killing more than 800 civilians in 21 communities. More than 70 per cent of those polled said disinformation had directly shaped their peers' understanding of
The Sun
28-04-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Trump's upended the world order in just 100 days – so what will the NEXT 100 bring? Insiders predict what's in store
DONALD Trump has reshaped the world order as we know it since taking over the White House for a second time. As the president marks an "extraordinary" first 100 days in the Oval Office, experts predict what's next. 13 13 13 13 Just 100 days into his second term, Trump has made his mark with a dazzling pace of policy changes that have thrilled allies and stunned enemies. Tariff wars and peace talks have defined his first months - and White House officials have warned of more "torpedoes". From the get-go, Trump sparked controversy by inviting Elon Musk into his inner circle - appointing him head of his efficiency crack team. His first weeks saw a historic Oval Office spat with Zelensky where the two leaders engaged in a brutal war of words - a spectacle for the world of diplomacy. In a bizarre episode, the Don threw his toys out of the pram over a portrait of him, claiming it was the "worst" and "purposefully distorted". He sensationally triggered an economic war with China - met with a fierce response from Beijing, raising fears of an escalation of conflict between the two countries. And Trump continued his threats to take control over Greenland - and suggested Canada could become the 51st state of the US. With his "America First" agenda, he has also waged war with courts and government bureaucracy. Dr Alan Mendoza, executive director of Henry Jackson Society, told The Sun: "I think it'd be very fair to say that Trump has stirred up the world order in his first 100 days. "Right now, it looks like chaos to us, but is there a master plan? That will take time to know and achieve." How scheming Putin has undermined Trump's 100 day peace plan for finally end bloody war in Ukraine Former Nato commander Hamish de Bretton-Gordon said: "It's been an extraordinary 100 days, absolutely extraordinary." Experts believe the next 100 days will bring another rollercoaster ride - and it will continue to reshape the world as we know it. Even before he set foot in the White House for on January 20, Trump - who likes to call himself the "greatest deal maker" - claimed he would end the Ukraine war in the first 24 hours of his presidency. While Don later dubbed his own claim as "exaggeration", he has still not been able to put an end to the bloody conflict, with experts saying he has been played by Vladimir Putin. Former Intelligence officer Philip Ingram predicts that Trump is set to "wash his hands off" the Russia-Ukraine and withdraw his support for Kyiv. Marco Rubio has already warned that they will walk away unless there is a deal in days. Ingram told The Sun: "Trump will not cut off support for Ukraine completely, but a lot of it will happen under the radar. "We will see our European allies standing up more for Ukraine. "The EU will step in more effectively, and the coalition of willing will back Kyiv up. 13 13 13 "That will negate Trump's lack of support towards Ukraine. Not complete, but to a large extent." Dr Mendoza believes that Trump will not be able to bring an end to the war in the next 100 days - unless he manages to crack a deal that is fair for both Kyiv and Moscow. He said: "It is going to be really tough for Trump to crack unless he's determined to put forward a very bad deal for Ukraine. "A lot depends now very much on the US and its attitude towards the war. If the US negotiates seriously, that would be the only way to get a deal. "They will have to apply pressure to both sides to get a fairer outcome. "If the outcome is fair - even if both sides don't get what they want -this will be particularly a bitter pill for Ukraine to swallow in this regard as the entirely innocent party." Some experts believe that if peace takes too long, Trump could put the Middle East and China in the cross-hairs. Dr Stephen Hall, political scientist at the University of Bath, told The Sun: "Donald Trump does allegedly want a Nobel Peace Prize, and if he can't achieve it in Ukraine. He will try for the Middle East. "He may decide that Ukraine is unimportant and maintain a closer relationship with Russia." Trump's seven-point peace plan THE US has drafted up a seven-point plan which, it hopes, will draw a path to peace between Ukraine and Russia. A source with knowledge of the plan reportedly revealed the content of the main points: Immediate ceasefire in Ukraine Direct talks between Ukraine and Russia Ukraine to be barred from joining Nato US to formally recognise Russian sovereignty over Crimea US to give de facto recognition of four Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia along the current lines of control Ukraine to sign minerals deal to share profits on natural resources with the US All US sanctions lifted on Russia and both countries co-operate on energy 'Fight to the end' When Trump took over the White House, he vowed to "beat" China. But his economic attack was met with fierce resistance by Xi Jinping - who many believe wants to overthrow the US to become the global superpower. Beijing has vowed to "fight to the end" as Trump raised the price on Chinese imports. But the tit-for-tat fight has sparked fears that tensions between the two superpowers could spiral out of control. Experts predict Trump will look to close a deal with China as any war with Beijing would be "bad news" not only for the US, but also for China. If America carries on behaving as it is, China will see an opportunity to move on Taiwan. And then America is likely to intervene Professor Kerry BrownKing's College London Kerry Brown, former UK ambassador to China, told The Sun: "It is a very worrying time for US-China relations. 'If America carries on behaving as it is, China will see an opportunity to move on Taiwan. And then America is likely to intervene. 'It is the one country that can really face America, and has been feeling this showdown was inevitable for quite a long time. 'At the moment, if this trade war is a draw, that's a good outcome for America.' Professor Ashok Swain, peace and security expert at the University of Uppsala, said China has prepared itself to take on the US. 13 13 He said: "China is prepared to play the big game openly. And that's what we and Trump gave. "After the 2008 financial crisis, there has been a significant change within the Chinese political discourse - they believe their time has come. "They have drastically strengthened themselves both economically and militarily. "They have not hesitated to show their strength not only in economic matters but also in security matters. "And Trump's trade war gives Xi a possibility to project to his followers, ' I am the leader. I'm protecting your interests'." Dr Hall added: "America is likely to be increasingly isolated. China will also try and forge new alliances. "But there is very little trust for the Chinese government so that will also lead possibly to arms races. "It will potentially lead to a huge instability across the world. And we will just have to wait and see." Raining bombs Elsewhere, Colonel Bretton-Gordon said Trump's decision to bomb the Houthis in Yemen - one of Iran's terror proxies - was a smart move. He said: "Trump's had a positive impact attacking the Houthis and supporting the Israelis to attack Hezbollah. "Iran is a much diminished state in the sort of axis of evil, so one could argue that that has been positive." 13 13 13 And Dr Alan believes the US - alongside the Israelis - could bomb the Ayatollah's regime by the end of 2025. The expert said: "He's made some initial plans for Iran [deal negotiation], but if that doesn't go anywhere, I'd expect to see some kinetic action against Iran later this year." Last week, Trump hinted at a nuclear deal with Iran after threatening to bomb the regime "like never before". The president said an agreement is "well on its way" as Iran scrambles to protect its most important nuclear fortresses. In his first 100 days, Trump has exerted his power on a scale that has no easy historical comparison. And the next 100 days promises no change to the status quo. 13
