Institute for Jewish and Community Research

From RationalWiki
Jump to: navigation, search
Someone is wrong on
The Internet
Icon internet.svg
Log in:

The Institute for Jewish and Community Research is some sort of website.

According to themselves:

"The Institute for Jewish & Community Research conducts on-going research in four areas:

  • Demography and Religious Identity

The Jewish people face serious demographic challenges. It is not easy to clearly identify who is a Jew and who is not. How does the Jewish community adjust to significant changes in religious belief and identity?

  • The Growth and Vitality of Jewish Peoplehood

Organizational, cultural and ideological barriers to growth have developed. How can the Jewish community be more positive, open and welcoming?

  • The Security of the Jewish Community

Anti-Semitism and anti-Israelism in America and abroad have seen a dramatic increase in recent years. How is current anti-Semitism different than in the past and what are the appropriate institutional responses?

  • Philanthropy

American philanthropy, both Jewish and general, set the standard for giving in the world. What are the most important trends regarding both foundations and individual donors and how do they facilitate or inhibit positive societal change?"[1]


"The groundbreaking monograph, Anti-Israelism and Anti-Semitism in America's Educational Systems, systematically looks at the way that anti-Israelism and anti-Semitism are expressed and promoted, both in primary and secondary schools, and on college campuses in the United States. We have gathered extensive data and make a strong case that both the Jewish and non-Jewish communities need to be doing much more to combat the anti-Israelism and anti-Semitism that is being taught to young people."[2]

The site gives no examples of antisemitic expressions, apparently conflating this entirely with criticism of Israel.

"Free Speech and Academic Freedom"[edit]

"An issue of paramount importance is the question of the boundaries of free speech and academic freedom vis-à-vis anti-Israelism on campus. Often anti-Israelists proclaim protection under the banners of free speech and academic freedom, rightfully hallowed and cherished ideas in American society, and especially in American academic systems. While theoretically all ideas should be open for discussion, in reality both social norms as well as intellectual rigor dictate that bigotry and hate speech have no place in educational institutions."[3]

Apparently, free speech is only appropriate if you aren't running afoul of this organization's opinion of what you are allowed to say.


The Institute claims that Democratic voters disproportionately express anti-Semitic beliefs because they are less educated than conservatives.[4] This is questionable at best.