Betar, a far-right group with a history of being labeled as extremist by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), has taken center stage in a controversial campaign supporting deportations. This effort, backed by the Trump administration, includes a “deportation list” comprising thousands of names from students and faculty at prominent U.S. universities such as Columbia, the University of Pennsylvania, UCLA, and Syracuse University. Betar’s actions have drawn significant criticism and sparked division among American Jews, raising concerns about free speech and democratic values.
Betar has been actively working with the Trump administration to identify individuals for deportation. The list was curated through tips from students, faculty, and staff on campuses, as well as social media research. Notably, the list includes Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and permanent U.S. resident. Betar claimed credit on social media for providing Khalil's name to the government, which has led to widespread condemnation from various Jewish groups.
The ADL has welcomed Betar's efforts, stating that the actions align with their mission to combat antisemitism. However, many mainstream, progressive, and leftwing Jewish organizations have condemned Betar's actions as a dangerous violation of free speech. These groups argue that the measures taken by Betar are reminiscent of laws and policies that have historically been used against the Jewish community.
"It is both possible and necessary to directly confront and address the crisis of antisemitism, on campus and across our communities, without abandoning the fundamental democratic values that have allowed Jews, and so many others, to thrive here," stated Amy Spitalnick.
The divisive nature of Betar's campaign has led to a reckoning within the Jewish community about where their values truly lie. David Myers expressed disapproval of Betar's actions:
"I find it distasteful, un-Jewish and collaborationist to forge together lists of people who fail to meet a political litmus test," Myers said.
He also warned of the potential consequences if universities comply with such efforts:
"If universities submit, that’s removing an extraordinarily important site of free and open thinking from the American political conversation. I think that would be very ominous for this country, a further step in the move towards a fully authoritarian regime," Myers added.
In addition to targeting immigrants, Betar has warned that their efforts will extend beyond this group, raising alarm among civil rights advocates about the potential for broader implications. The group has indicated that naturalized citizens could be targeted in the near future.
"Expect naturalized citizens to start being picked up within the month," Betar announced.
This statement has fueled concerns that such actions could lead to increased discrimination against minority communities in the United States. A coalition of groups, including the New York Jewish Agenda and Aleph: Alliance for Jewish Renewal, expressed their apprehension:
"In the past, laws and policies that limit the right to free speech have often been wielded against the Jewish community, and we are worried that we are seeing signs that they are being wielded against Muslim, Arab, and other minority communities now," they stated.
Betar's approach has not only divided American Jews but also highlighted broader societal issues related to free speech and authoritarianism. While some support Betar's efforts as a means of addressing antisemitism, others view their actions as counterproductive and harmful to core democratic principles.