George Beres’ letter, “Middle East studies vital for education” (ODE March 9), implies a common anti-Semitic theme. That Jews and/or Zionists control the world is not so subtly stated in the last sentence of the second to last paragraph, “the reaction of my critics fuels a concern: Is there a campus conspiracy to subtly discourage balanced classroom narratives on the Middle East?” This is a ridiculous and downright disgusting statement, no less ludicrous than medieval accusations of blood libel. I am ashamed that the Emerald would publish such defamation and, even more so, give a voice to such filth from a non-University affiliated “Eugene resident.”
If Mr. Beres had left the discussion at pointing out our school’s lack of a Middle Eastern Studies program, I would be in total support. As a large liberal arts university, our lack of such a program sets us apart from other schools. I think the University setting is the perfect place to encourage discussion and understanding regarding the Middle East. We are at a university not to play judge and jury, but rather to obtain information and create our own educated opinions.
In response to Mr. Beres’ comment about the Judaic Studies department providing an “unbalanced attention on campus to the Israeli perspective.” The program, which I am not a part of, offers only one course related to Israel, titled, “Israelis and Palestinians.” This course is also only offered in alternating years. A similar course is also offered in the political science department titled, “Palestine and Israel,” which I would assume provides a more political survey of the issue.
In conclusion Mr. Beres, I would say that rather than invoking a centuries-old anti-Semitic slogan, you should contact student groups, such as the JSU, MSA or the ASUO, and lobby them to support the creation of a Middle Eastern Studies department. That is a venture I would support.
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