Jeremy Burton’s Misguided Response Undermines Civil Liberties

In a moment that called for moral clarity and an unequivocal defense of civil liberties, Jeremy Burton, the executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Boston, instead chose to lead with a dangerous and misleading insinuation. His statement regarding the case of Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts student who faced disciplinary action for her pro-Palestinian activism, prioritized vague accusations of antisemitism while only belatedly and half-heartedly acknowledging the importance of protecting civil rights.

Burton’s approach is emblematic of a troubling pattern in Jewish communal leadership: a reflexive rush to condemn perceived antisemitism in progressive spaces, often without citing concrete evidence, while offering only lukewarm support for the fundamental democratic principles that safeguard all of us. This rhetorical sleight of hand—a strategy of implication rather than direct accusation—serves to chill speech and delegitimize dissent, rather than fostering the open, honest conversations our community so desperately needs.

While antisemitism is undeniably a real and present danger, conflating criticism of Israel with antisemitic intent—without providing specifics—does a disservice to both the fight against Jew-hatred and to the principles of free speech and academic freedom. Burton’s statement mirrors the broader trend of weaponizing antisemitism to suppress Palestinian advocacy, undermining the very values of pluralism and democratic engagement that the Jewish community has historically championed.

J Street has long argued that we must confront antisemitism in all its forms while simultaneously defending the right to protest Israel’s policies. Burton’s statement, however, subtly but unmistakably contributes to the atmosphere of fear surrounding Palestinian activism. When a Jewish communal leader chooses to frame an issue in this way, it exacerbates the false narrative that any criticism of Israel is inherently suspect. This weakens the ability to combat genuine antisemitism, making it easier for bad actors to dismiss real concerns as mere political maneuvering.

Instead of leading with accusations, Jewish leaders should insist on facts, context, and principled consistency. If Rumeysa engaged in antisemitic behavior, the specifics should be made clear. If her punishment represents an infringement on free speech, that should be the primary concern. By obscuring these distinctions, Burton’s statement serves neither the Jewish community nor the broader fight for justice.

In moments like this, we must reject vague insinuations and insist on a discourse rooted in integrity. Our community is strongest when it stands for civil liberties, justice, and the courage to engage in difficult but necessary conversations. Burton’s statement fell short of that standard, and we must do better.