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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

Trump Administration targets BDS movement as Biden faces BDS pressure from the left. More schools adopt IHRA antisemitism definition as University of Illinois promises protection for Jewish and pro-Israel students.

The November election produced a mixed result for the BDS movement. President Trump appears to have been defeated while the ‘Squad’ was strengthened but down ballot progressives were trounced, except in municipal elections. At the same time the Trump Administration…

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BDS cooperation with BLM increases as Israel normalization with Gulf states changes global politics. ‘Anti-racism’ demands and ‘critical race theory’ support BDS and spread antisemitism.

September’s normalization agreements between Israel and two Arab states have dramatically changed the global environment for BDS. With the Palestinian issue receding in importance among once fervent supporters, the BDS movement has responded by increasing its support for BLM and…

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Facts find no room in the world of BDS

The American university now more than ever has become a toxic environment for both students and faculty who express open minds about Israel and the West. Faculty who risk their jobs, tenure and grant funding to speak openly about these…

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