Middle East studies in the News

A Sign Of Things To Come? [on Dhabah "Debbie" Almontaser and Khalil Gibran Academy]

by Editorial
The Jewish Press
August 8, 2007

http://www.jewishpress.com/page.do/22958/A_Sign_Of_Things_To_Come?.html

http://www.campus-watch.org/article/id/3826

The report in the New York Post that burkha-clad Dhabah Almontaser (dubbed "Debbie" by the media), principal of the Khalil Gibran Academy – the soon-to-be-opened Arabic-themed public school – sees no problem with students wearing T-shirts with the imprint "Intifada NYC" confirmed the concerns many of us expressed when plans for the controversial school were announced earlier this year by Schools Chancellor Joel Klein.

Unfortunately, despite this very clear signal that navigation of the fine line needed for the operation of this public school cannot be entrusted to "Debbie," the chancellor said he sees no issue raised here.

As the Post reported, an organization called Arab Women Active in Art and Media has taken to hawking the "Intifada NYC" shirts. As it turns out, the group shares office space with the Saba Association of American Yemenis and "Debbie" sits on Saba's board and serves as a spokesperson.

Other sources claim to have uncovered a more direct link between "Debbie" and AWAAM, through interrelated organizations. This is all fruit for further investigation by the chancellor. What concerns us even more than her possible connection to the T-shirts is the attitude she brings to the table.

Asked about the shirts, "Debbie" had this to say:

The word [intifada] basically means "shaking off." That is the root word if you look it up in Arabic… I understand it is developing a negative connotation due to the uprising in the Palestinian-Israeli areas. I don't believe the intention is to have any of that kind of [violence] in New York City.

I think its pretty much an opportunity for girls to express that they are part of New York City society…and shaking off oppression.

Putting aside what she may have had in mind regarding "oppression" here in New York, "Debbie" reacted to the negative reaction to her comments about the meaning of "intifada" by offering the following clarification:

The word "intifada" is completely inappropriate as a T-shirt slogan. I regret suggesting otherwise. By minimizing the word's historical associations, I implied that I condone violence and threats of violence. That view is anathema to me."

As the Post succinctly put it, either "Debbie" "is a fool or she thinks New Yorkers are morons." Actually, we suspect "Debbie" brings to her new assignment a certain mindset that is not all that remarkable given the context of her training and world outlook. This episode says as much about the ill-conceived project of having a public school dedicated to teaching Arab culture with courses taught in Arabic as it says about Ms. Almontaser personally.

Can we ignore the sad experience on the college and university level where departments dedicated to Arabic studies and culture over time morphed into hotbeds of anti-West radicalism?

Significantly, some early supporters of the Khalil Gibran School have undergone an epiphany. Jeff Wiesenfeld, a member of the board of the City University of New York, perhaps put it best: "I feel like a fool. I think Abe Foxman should feel like a fool. And certainly Joel Klein if he sponsors it will be a fool."

Note: Articles listed under "Middle East studies in the News" provide information on current developments concerning Middle East studies on North American campuses. These reports do not necessarily reflect the views of Campus Watch and do not necessarily correspond to Campus Watch's critique.

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