Yale Protest Coalition Promotes Pluralistic Response against Militarism with Jewish Values: Divestment Movement Combats Violence and Oppression Through Spiritual Traditions Despite Antisemitic Narratives

The recent sit-in at Yale University’s Beinecke Plaza by both Jewish and non-Jewish students calling for the university to divest from military contractors has highlighted a misguided narrative that pits pro-Palestinian activists against their Jewish counterparts. This characterization is far removed from reality, as the protest coalition at Yale includes groups such as Yale Jews for Ceasefire who are committed to fighting for peace and equality in the region through Jewish values. The dialogue within this collective has resulted in decisions that prioritize inclusivity of all voices, including avoiding chants deemed unsafe by some Jewish students during protests. As an example of a pluralistic protest environment, I myself led Jewish nigunim (wordless melodies) and prayers at the sit-in while non-Jewish classmates joined in, creating deeply meaningful experiences for participants that transcend political agendas to touch on spiritual values as well. These moments should not be dismissed by accusations of antisemitism; instead they demonstrate a community dedicated to combating oppression and violence through Jewish principles such as the Talmud’s prohibition against selling weapons to those suspected of using them criminally, or the Passover tradition that encourages us to empathize with oppressed people. The present moment is fraught with disagreement among Jews regarding what our values mean in practice, but leaders like Nachshon who take brave steps into uncertain territory can inspire others to follow suit towards a world free of violence and oppression for all communities.