1. Mark Finkelstein said:

To: Rabbi Aaron Sherman and the Congregation of Temple Judah
From: the Dept. of Philosophy and Religion of Coe College
[As issued by Prof. John Lemos, Chair]
Date: Oct., 21, 2005
Re: The Sabeel Conference

The Dept. of Philosophy and Religion at Coe is aware that some
anti-Semitic remarks were made at the recent Sabeel Conference held on
our campus and which our department sponsored. We are also aware that
there were other breaches of civility during the conference.

Let it be known that the members of our department find anti-Semitism of
any kind to be deplorable and inexcusable, and that we also object to
uncivil behavior.

The Department's sponsorhip of the Sabeel Conference reflects our
recognition of the importance of the issues that were raised in it.
However, we want to make it clear that our sponsorship of this event
should not be taken as an endorsement of the views or attitudes
expressed by the speakers. Our department offers sponsorship to a wide
variety of events and speakers without any intent to endorse the views
expressed by the speakers. This is commonplace at colleges and
universities.

We regret any harm that may have been caused by such anti-Semitic
statements and/or uncivil behavior and we very much hope that our
department will be able to continue to interact in a cordial and
fruitful manner with the members of Temple Judah and the broader Jewish
community.

2. Bill Narvey said:

I am puzzled at why Mark Finkelstein posted this letter, but I do have a few comments in relation to the following quote taken from Finkelstein's letter:

"We want to make it clear that our sponsorship of this event
should not be taken as an endorsement of the views or attitudes
expressed by the speakers. Our department offers sponsorship to a wide
variety of events and speakers without any intent to endorse the views
expressed by the speakers."

Finkelstein's comment is utter nonsense.

He goes on to say that "this is commonplace at colleges and universities."

He is correct. Finkelstein's thinking unfortunately typifies the kind of foolish, naive and fuzzy thinking by so many academics and university administrations in North America.

If these academics truly believe that by a simple statement that they do not endorse the views expressed by the speakers or conferences they sponsor, that people will believe that, they are either fools or liars. Finkelstein, take your pick!

You cannot so easily wash you hands of culpability in aiding and abetting the disseminating and inciting of Jew hatred.

We are all known by whom we associate with.

The Sabeel Organization's and its Director, Naim Ateek is an implacable Jew hater and that would have been apparent with only a cursory check of their background. You and Coe College could reasonably anticipate that the conference you decided to sponsor would be a forum to disseminate and incite Jew hatred.

If academics and academic institutions do not want to give the impression that they endorse racists by sponsoring them and giving them a lecturn from which to spread their views, a little bit of research would tell them just who they are considering crawling into bed with.

When academics and Universities in the spirit of free speech and vigorous debate don't give a damn about what dogs they lie down with, don't tell us you don't wake up with fleas.

Finkelstein, I expect you did not intend to, but you insult our intelligence with this posting. I also expect by spouting this nonsense to Rabbi Aaron Sherman and sharing it with us that you unintentionally displayed your own lack of smarts and sensitivites, but then again what can one expect from a typical head in the clouds academic.

You no doubt also insulted the intelligence of Rabbi Aaron Sherman to whom your letter of apology is addressed. Your apology is hollow for it includes your exculpatory explanation that doesn't begin to exculpate Coe College and any person there that had a hand in giving Sabeel Organization or any other racist organizations in the past, a platform to spew their anti-semitism.

Where is your head at anyway? If you ever do manage to come down out of the clouds and can plant your feet firmly on the ground, maybe we can chat again.

3. Larry said:

I am puzzled as to why Bill Narvey is criticizing Mark Finkelstein for posting the letter supposedly written by Coe College to a local rabbi I assume. For those of who may not know it, Coe College is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church USA. This letter is the first I had heard there had been a dust-up regarding anti-semitic speeches at the Sabeel gathering at Coe.

So, unless I am missing something, I am pleased this letter has been posted. A question: What about Sabeel in Chicago? Was there similar anti-semitic language that would demand an apology from the hosting seminaries? I trust people know that the McCormick Theological Seminary who cohosted the Chicago Sabeel is also a seminary of the Presbyterian Church USA.

4. Ted Belman said:

Larry

Yesa, whereever Sabeel goes they take with their band of antisemetic tricks. Search Israpundit for posts on Sabeel and you will be informed as to how bad they are.

Bill
I thinks Mark's post was worthwhile as it informs us of how the university justifies their hosting Sabeel. The letter is not offered as Mark's views. Your critique of the letter was spot on.