Under any and all circumstances, calling for the genocide of the Jewish people is, plain and simple, an horrific expression of unadulterated hatred. Calling for the genocide of ANY people is reprehensible, immoral, intolerable and to be unconditionally condemned by all of us.

Incredibly, before a Congressional Committee on December 5, 2023, after repeated prodding, representatives of Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania and Massachusetts Institute of Technology steadfastly refused to unequivocally and unconditionally condemn the call for the genocide of the Jewish people on its campuses as explicitly prohibited under their university codes of conduct. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R, NY) gave the university representatives repeated opportunities to clearly voice their institution’s opposition to such outrageous behavior.. They continued to hem and haw.

Contributors to any university or institution which does not officially condemn calls for the genocide of Jewish people — or any other people — should withhold their financial support until these organizations officially enforce codes of ethics against such dark, malignant, repugnant, heinous and inhuman evil.

This season of the year calls for a completely different and better way: loving our Jewish neighbors and the Jewish people together with all others in our community and throughout the world. This season calls for “peace toward all,” not selective persecution of some. In the words of songwriters Jill and Sy Miller: “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.”

TIMOTHY MANNELLO

Williamsport

Submitted by email