Brown University trustee resigns over Israel divestment vote

Joseph Edelman, a trustee at Brown University, announced his resignation in an op-ed published in The Wall Street Journal, expressing his opposition to an upcoming vote on divestment from Israel. His resignation comes in the wake of the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks against Israel, which he cites as a critical context for his stance. Edelman argues that the decision to hold a divestment vote reflects a troubling attitude towards rising antisemitism on campus and a political movement that threatens Israel's existence. Edelman criticizes the university's leadership for succumbing to pressure from student activists, suggesting that the decision was not based on principles or facts but rather on a fear of backlash. He describes the consideration of a divestment vote as morally reprehensible, especially given the historical context of violence against Jewish people. The protests on campus have intensified following the Israel-Hamas war, with students demanding divestment from companies linked to Israel and a ceasefire. In his op-ed, Edelman highlights the implications of the divestment vote, questioning how the university can support voices that promote antisemitism and violence against Jews. He emphasizes that the vote could be interpreted as a challenge to Israel's right to defend itself and even its right to exist. This situation has raised concerns about the broader implications for Jewish students and the university's commitment to combating antisemitism. Edelman's resignation underscores a significant divide within the university community regarding the issue of Israel and the response to student activism. His departure raises questions about the future of governance at Brown and the impact of external pressures on academic institutions.