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Alex Joffe

Alex Joffe

Editor SPME / BDS Monitor

Alexander H. Joffe is an archaeologist and historian specializing in the Middle East and contemporary international affairs. He received a B.A. in History from Cornell University in 1981 and Ph.D. in Near Eastern Studies from the University of Arizona in 1991. From 1980 to 2003 he participated in and directed archaeological research in Israel, Jordan, Greece and the United States. Joffe taught at the Pennsylvania State University and Purchase College, and has been Director of Research for Global Policy Exchange, Ltd., and The David Project, Center for Jewish Leadership.

Joffe's work is uniquely broad. Since 1991 he has published dozens of studies on the archaeology of the Eastern Mediterranean and is a leading figure in contentious debates over the relationship between archaeology and politics in the Middle East. He has also authored numerous works on contemporary issues, including Middle Eastern environmental security threats from pollution and weapons of mass destruction. His work on the problem of dismantling intelligence agencies is widely cited by experts and democratic reformers alike.

In the past decade Joffe has written and spoken on topics as varied as the future of American Jews, the Palestinian refugee problem, and nationalism. During that time as well he has been deeply involved with combating the problems of campus antisemitism, the ‘boycott, divestment and sanctions' movement against Israel, and in educating Jews and others about threats to Israel and the West. His current projects include a biography of a British World War II general and several novels. He and his family reside near New York City.

All stories by: Alex Joffe

The American Jewish fairness trap

Four recent incidents illustrate how American Jewish institutions are manipulated to subvert support for Israel. Call it the fairness trap. Vassar Hillel announced it would join its counterpart at Swarthmore and reject Hillel International’s guidelines prohibiting anti-Israel speakers and activities.…

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SPME BDS Monitor Report, Vol. 8

Introduction The modern boycott, divestment and sanctions movement originated with 2001 United Nations World Conference Against Racism, known as Durban II. The “Durban Strategy” of isolating and vilifying Israel has propagated through non-governmental organizations, academia and media. But economic boycotts…

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SPME BDS Monitor Report, Vol. 5

Introduction BDS activities continued throughout November. Of particular note were developments in the political relationship between Israel and the European Union and an important series of incidents in academia. Analysis The latest reports indicate that negotiations regarding Israeli participation in…

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SPME BDS Monitor Report, Vol. 4

  Analysis October saw BDS activities in full swing across the entire spectrum of economic, religious, political, academic and cultural affairs. Only in academia and the Protestant church can BDS groups claim a measure of success. In the political sphere…

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