<p>Today I got accepted into Brandeis. I know by heart that the school is top-notch in terms of academics, but I must ask: Is Brandeis conservative? If I were to describe my beliefs, I would say I am politically an anarcho-syndicalist and philosophically a “nihilist”. So being politically active, I am against zionism as a religious-political, but not against Judaism as a religion or Jews by any chance. So I am asking: Are people with such beliefs welcomed in the society of Brandeis? And is there any atheist organization inside the campus? </p>
<p>Please do not misunderstand me. I do sincerely condemn anti-semitism, but I also condemn zionism. </p>
<p>While certainly in the minority, there is certainly a vocal and active Brandeis Conservative and Libertarian Union, and there are certainly plenty of anarchist-types as well. </p>
<p>You should certainly be aware that you’d be in the (relatively small) minority, but Brandeis certainly needs more people with different opinions. Sometimes it gets quite boring when everyone agrees. As long as you’re willing to discuss and respect all opinions, your views will be much needed.</p>
<p>Brandeis, since its founding in 1948, has been dedicated to achieving social justice. In the '60’s and 70’s, it was often referred to as the “Berkeley of the East.” So it is definitely not a conservative place–although you will find individuals who are conservative. </p>
<p>As to the Zionist issue you raised, you will find that the great majority of people at Brandeis who care about the Middle East (and not everyone does and some don’t care at all) are pro-Zionist although there is a small but vocal minority who feel otherwise. Muslim students are frequently anti-Zionist and that is hardly surprising since Islam is an entire way of life, not just a religion, and Islam teaches that once a place comes under Islamic rule, it must be Islamic forever and can never change. So most Muslims view places such as Israel and Spain, since Palestine and Cordova were once part of the Caliphate, as illegitimate. Arab armies conquered Palestine (the name the Romans gave the land after expelling the Jews from it) in the 7th Century.</p>
<p>You are, of course, entitled to your own opinions and beliefs but you should know that many (probably most) Jews consider people who are anti-Zionist to be anti-Semitic even though many anti-Zionists deny hating Jews or Judaism. This is because Zionism is simply the belief that the Jewish People are entitled to and ought to return to their historic homeland in the Levant (Zion refers to the mountain in Jerusalem where the Jewish Temple once stood but also is used to mean Jerusalem as a whole and the entire State of Israel). Jews were forcibly evicted from their homeland by the Romans after the second Jewish Revolt in the second century C.E. For two thousand years, the return of the Jewish people to Zion has been an integral part of the Jewish religion. In fact, this week is Passover–the celebration of the freedom of the ancient Israelites or Hebrews from slavery in Egypt as told in the biblical book of Exodus. After receiving the law on Mount Sinai, the tribes of Israel spent 40 years in the desert until Joshua led them into the “Promised Land,” the ancient states of Israel and Judaea. For two thousand years, every Passover seder has ended with the phrase “Next year in Jerusalem.” In other words, Zionism is Judaism.</p>
<p>So perhaps you now can understand why most Jews consider “anti-Zionists” to also be anti-Semetic.</p>
<p>I have visited Brandeis several times with my D and each time I have noticed a very strong awareness of both Pro Israel Advocacy as well as a highly stated sense of supported Zionism.</p>
<p>While you state that you are not against Jews or Judaism but against Zionism, I feel that this particular school might not be the best fit for your viewpoints. Eventhough, you may be able to differentiate, I think the vast majority of the student body will (perhaps unfairly) categorize you as anti Semitic for having anti Zionist leanings. </p>
<p>I am sure you will have far more heated dialogue than you might imagine for having attended. My advice as a parent, seek out a school where you will not have to constantly argue and defend yourself most of the time with most of the people.</p>