Anti-Israel protest (Shutterstock) (Shutterstock)

A recent survey conducted at some of the top US institutions of higher education demonstrates that academic boycotts of Israel are not favored by most students.

A poll conducted by Brandeis University’s Steinhardt Social Research Institute reveals that less than 15 percent of non-Jewish students support boycotts of academic institutions or scholars from Israel. The poll was done via email with students from Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Michigan, and Brandeis.

According to the poll, Jewish students reported that they “are rarely exposed to anti-Semitism on campus” and “do not think their campus is hostile to Jews.” Jewish students did, however, respond that they “are exposed to hostile remarks toward Israel on campus.”

Notwithstanding the offensive remarks, the majority of students “disagree[d] that there is a hostile environment toward Israel on campus,” with Michigan diverging from this position. At Michigan, “just over half of Jewish students agreed to an extent that the school had a hostile environment toward Israel.”

Contrary to the picture painted by proponents of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, support for BDS is “rare,” with backing for an academic boycott of Israel “virtually nonexistent among Jewish students” and “rare among non-Jewish students.”

In short, the poll found that “Israel and Jews are not a top concern for students,” and that “Jewish students feel safe and that they belong on campus.”

While such findings are welcomed by Jewish groups and pro-Israel activists, it should be noted that Jews make up greater than 10 percent of the undergraduate student body at all of the polled institutions.

By: United with Israel Staff

Bring Joy to Israeli Soldiers - Send Winter Care Packages!

We are honored to thank the young men and women of the IDF who risk their lives every day to defend the citizens of Israel.

Join us in sending winter care packages and personal notes of support to Israeli soldiers who are out in the cold all day.

Warm up a soldier's heart with essential winter wear including fleece jackets, hats, gloves and more. Keep an entire unit warm!

THE SOLDIERS REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR LOVE AND CONCERN!

Click Here to Send Your Gift and Personal Note to Israeli Soldiers

Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!

Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!

Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.

Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!

STAND WTH ISRAEL - MAKE A DONATION TODAY!