President Donald Trump has repurposed the Hebrew word “shalom” into a political tool, linking it to actions against Columbia University and pro-Palestinian activism. This shift has garnered mixed reactions from the Jewish community, reflecting deepening divides on issues of language and authority in the context of rising antisemitism and political rhetoric.

In a surprising turn, President Donald Trump has repurposed the Hebrew term “shalom,” historically meaning peace, as a tool for political messaging. On March 5, Trump stated on Instagram, “‘Shalom Hamas’ means Hello and Goodbye — you can choose,” signifying his stance toward Hamas. This term has also evolved to represent actions taken against Columbia University, particularly after Trump announced a withdrawal of $400 million in federal funding, aligning with his administration’s approach to perceived campus antisemitism.

On March 7, the White House shared a graphic stating “Shalom Columbia” following its funding cuts, intensifying the association of “shalom” with political firings. The term was further popularized when the White House recently posted a graphic featuring “Shalom Mahmoud,” referring to Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia graduate arrested for pro-Palestinian activism. This action is part of a broader wave of presidential directives reflecting Trump’s recent assertive and controversial executive orders.

The original meaning of “shalom” as peace contrasts sharply with how it has been wielded by the Trump administration. The arrests and funding cuts illustrate a shift whereby a traditional greeting now carries connotations of condemnation and authority. Responses to Trump’s usage have varied among American Jews: some celebrate the term’s newfound significance while others express discomfort, fearing its association with extremist actions. Nioh Berg praised the adaptation and remarked, “Thanks to Trump, ‘shalom’ is now code for ‘You f—-d up and are about to find out.'”

Conversely, others, like Jewish writer David Grossman, criticized this repurposing, arguing that it unjustly connects Jewish terminology to authoritarian practices. As opinions diverge, Trump’s critics suspect his scrutiny may extend to other institutions, anticipating further actions with comments such as, “Countdown to Shalom Harvard.” This potential escalation reflects ongoing tensions surrounding free speech, activism, and antisemitism in academia.

President Trump’s adaptation of the term “shalom” as a political statement raises concerns about the intersection between language, culture, and authority. His administration’s use of the word in the context of federal funding cuts and arrests suggests a shift in its meaning from a greeting of peace to a symbol of condemnation. The reactions from the Jewish community highlight the divisive nature of this issue, pointing to broader discussions about the impact of political rhetoric on cultural identities.

Original Source: forward.com

Related posts:

Mahmoud Khalil: Columbia Graduate Arrested Amid Pro-Palestinian Activism Trump Administration Bolsters Detention of Columbia Pro-Palestinian Activist Mahmoud Khalil ICE Arrests Palestinian Activist and Columbia Protests Leader, Visa Status in Question Columbia Student Activist Mahmoud Khalil Detained in Immigration Custody