You are a remarkable actress and a strikingly beautiful model. I have been following your successful career for years. Your performance in “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” was an inspiring work of art. In fact, I am often complimented on just how much I look like you.

That being said, your sudden urge to comment on the centuries-long Middle East conflict has left me dumbfounded. Even more so, however, the contents of your uncalled-for outburst.

In the letter you recently signed, you unequivocally denounced the state of Israel for committing acts of “genocide” on the civilians of Gaza and demanded that Israel cease its fire. “Palestinians’ homes are being destroyed; they are being denied water, electricity [and] free movement to their hospitals, schools, and fields while the international community does nothing.”

My dear Penelope. When you accuse Israel of committing “genocide,” do you actually know what you are talking about? Are you informed and educated on the legality of actions of a country under attack? Before you accuse Israel of committing crimes, let me school you on the definitions of the words you are throwing around so freely.

Genocide is “the deliberate killing of people who belong to a particular racial, political, or cultural group.” Under international law, a crime is committed if there is an intentional attack directed against civilians (called the principle of distinction). “International humanitarian law and the Rome statute permit belligerents to carry out proportionate attacks against military objectives, even when it is known that some civilian deaths or injuries will occur,” stated former chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.

While you are correct that the Palestinian people of Gaza are under siege and are being denied basic rights to freedom, movement, education, and life, those rights are denied to them by their own government, which they selected for themselves. Hamas is a designated terrorist organization and its charter seeks the annihilation of the Jewish people and the West.

You see, gorgeous, Hamas hides their rockets in schools, hospitals, and civilian territories where innocent little children play and where the sick are suffering. It then launches those rockets directly into Israel’s homes and populated areas, specifically targeting civilians. Israel is a tiny country, merely a dot on the world map, and yet it is the only democracy in the Middle East. In a desperate attempt to defend themselves from a monstrous enemy, Israel targets Hamas’ military arsenals, the very same locations where Hamas places their women and children. When these children unfortunately die, Israel is blamed by geniuses like you. But who is really committing genocide? And where in the world is your outrage against Hamas?

You are simply parroting what some ignorant politician said on TV when you speak of a conflict you know nothing about. I am no longer your fan. Although we might look alike, you and I are nothing alike. While you stand for lies, I stand for truth, justice, peace, and freedom. And that’s why I stand with Israel. Rest assured that neither I nor my people will sit idly by while Hamas is throwing rockets at Israeli civilians, and while you and your Hollywood buddies are slandering my homeland. So do the world a favor, and think before you speak. And if you can’t do that, just stick to your day job.

Yours truly,

Former fan.

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On November 12, 2015, a student protest titled “Million Student March,” was held throughout campuses of the City University of New York, calling for tuition-free education and cancellation of all student debt, amongst other demands.

At around 5:30 p.m., a large crowd of protesters gathered on the campus of Hunter College for the “Million Student March.” In a video captured by Fuel For Truth’s founder Joe Richards, members of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) are heard repeatedly yelling “F–k Zionists,” “Zionists out of Cuny,” and calling for Intifada — an armed uprising of Palestinians using terrorism and violence. The video ends with SJP students yelling, “There is only one solution, Intifada Revolution.”

Hunter College cannot allow this to stand.

The First Amendment gives us the right to speak freely, redress the government, and peacefully assemble. The First Amendment does not, however, allow for government funded institutions to create a forum for the incitement to imminent, lawless actions.

When Hunter College, a government-funded institution, allowed its students to gather under the guise of a “Million Student March” to preach Intifada and rally for “Zionists to get out of CUNY,” Hunter created a hostile and unsafe environment for its Jewish students. Moreover, by opening such a forum, Hunter engaged in aiding and abetting  terrorist agenda, and its administration must be held accountable.

Furthermore, the City University of New York has a comprehensive non-discrimination policy available to the public. That policy lists discrimination and harassment as prohibited conduct on campus. CUNY defines discrimination as “treating an individual differently or less favorably because of his or her protected characteristics — such as race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin.” Harassment is defined as “a form of discrimination that consists of unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic….or creating an intimidating, hostile or abusive work or academic environment.”

Hunter administration is responsible for allowing Students For Justice In Palestine to bully and harass Jewish students on their campus.

In light of Hunter’s violations, I ask that you join me in demanding full accountability for last night’s events. I ask that Hunter and CUNY not only condemn the actions of SJP, but that it impose severe consequences on such student activities and that it publicly release a statement committing itself to monitor and prevent any future discriminatory events that bully and harass Jewish students on campus. A statement condemning antisemitic comments and simply stating that “there is no place for harassment and bigotry on campus” is not sufficient.

Please contact Hunter College Deans to express your concerns. Email: dean.of.students@hunter.cuny.edu; Telephone: 212.772. 4878

Inna Vernikov is the founding attorney at The Law Offices Of Inna Vernikov, PLLC and a pro-Israel activist.

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