August 6, 2021

With this email, I submit my resignation from the PSC-CUNY. The main reason for my decision is the atmosphere of antisemitism clearly expressed in the Resolution in Support of the Palestinian People. I know antisemitism firsthand – I come from the former Soviet Union, where antisemitism was almost official policy. I never expected that the faculty union of my own university would also be antisemitic. 

The union’s resolution claims that it challenges “racism in all forms, including antisemitism,” but this statement is meaningless. The union is not entitled to its own facts. Aren’t union members aware that it was Hamas that shot thousands of rockets at Israeli’s civilian population? What country would leave such attacks unanswered? The resolution does not mention this, as it does not mention Israel’s rights to defend itself. Hamas’ goal is to annihilate Israel. Judging by the resolution, the union supports this goal. Criticizing Israel is not necessarily antisemitic but denying Jews rights to live peacefully in their own country is.

I feel strongly that the union does not represent me, and, therefore, I cannot continue to be a member of the PSC.

Alexander Lisyansky
Professor of Physics
Queens College