To the editor:
(re: “CUNY union sides against Israel,” July 29)
I am among those who have resigned from our union, the Professional Staff Congress, in response to its June 10 resolution.
My parents were survivors of Auschwitz, so I know anti-Semitism when I see it. PSC has crossed that line with its characterization of Israel as a “settler/colonialist” country.
I have never been a fan of PSC’s activism on issues that don’t directly affect faculty and staff working conditions and salaries, but now it’s personal. With all due respect to my Lehman College colleague who believes that the number of resignations is overstated, I have it on pretty good authority that the number often cited — 50 — is, in fact, understated.
At a time when anti-Semitic violence is on a steep rise — even in New York City — the last thing we need is an “activist” faculty union that adds fuel to the fire.
I applaud Councilman Eric Dinowitz for speaking out.
Steve Greenbaum
The author is a distinguished professor of physics at CUNY Hunter College.