Anti Israeli graduation speech puts El Camino College in unwanted national spotlight
by Chrissa Olson El Camino College Associated Student Organization President Jana Abulaban drew national attention Friday after stating in an address to the graduating Class of 2023, “I gift my graduation to all Palestinians who have lost their lives, and those who continue to lose their lives every day, due to the oppressive apartheid state of Israel, killing and torturing Palestinians, as we speak.” Abulaban’s speech was reported as anti-semitic, hate speech by Fox News, NYPost, Daily Mail and pro-Israel groups. Several pro-Palestine media outlets reported favorably on her remarks. El Camino President Brenda Thames responded to the controversy on Wednesday, with a statement, saying, in part, “During our recent commencement ceremony, a student speaker who was not authorized to speak, other than to introduce another speaker, took it upon herself to make an anti-Israel statement. To be clear, her statement was not approved by El Camino College officials, and does not reflect the values, and views of El Camino College. Anti-Israel sentiments can lead to a rise in antisemitism.” “Reactions to this incident have led to some hateful statements against the speaker, Palestinians and…
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