State: New York
City: New York City
Campus: New York University (NYU)
Adam H. Becker teaches Classics and Religious Studies at New York University (NYU). While his academic work centers on antiquity, his public record shows repeated alignment with anti-Israel activism. By signing petitions, letters, and statements that defend extremist groups and their campus affiliates, Becker has lent legitimacy to movements that create a hostile environment for Jewish students.
Support for Anti-Israel Organizations
Becker signed an open letter co-published by Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) and the U.S. Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (USACBI) directed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The letter advocated on behalf of Imad Ahmad Barghouthi, aligning Becker with organizations known for promoting antisemitic narratives under the guise of academic freedom.
Defending SJP on Campus
In January 2017, Becker signed a JVP-authored letter condemning Fordham University’s decision to block the creation of a Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter. By backing SJP, Becker defended one of the most disruptive anti-Israel groups on American campuses, a group whose protests often target Jewish students and spread extremist rhetoric.
Calls for Divestment
In 2015, Becker signed a petition demanding that NYU “divest itself of any holdings it may have” in Israeli companies. The petition aligned him directly with efforts to pressure the university into adopting policies that isolate Israel and stigmatize Jewish associations with the state.
Endorsing Academic Boycotts
As far back as February 2009, Becker signed a petition published by USACBI, promoting the academic boycott of Israel. This action positioned him alongside efforts that seek to punish Israeli universities and their partnerships, undermining scholarly exchange while sending an exclusionary message to Jewish students and faculty.
Conclusion
Adam H. Becker has repeatedly aligned himself with organizations and campaigns that single out Israel and defend extremist campus groups like SJP. His record of signing petitions and letters that delegitimize Israel contributes to a broader campus climate in which antisemitism and hostility toward Jewish students are normalized.
