Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin ought to reconsider his salute to NYU President John Sexton—who, while loudly
deploring the ASA’s Israel boycott, quietly supports the one by Abu Dhabi. (“It’s Time For Us To Say `Thank You,’” Opinion, Jan. 3)
Abu Dhabi forbids collaboration with Israeli universities, while barring entry by Israelis (not just professors). Despite that policy, as well as Abu Dhabi’s many other human rights violations,
NYU has a branch there, for which the royal family reportedly gave President Sexton a check for $50 million.
Although that regime is vastly more ferocious than the ASA (and flagrantly anti-Jewish, unlike the ASA), Sexton has not only refused to criticize its cruelties but has even actually defended them.
His name therefore does not belong in any honor roll of college presidents who stand unwaveringly with Israel.
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