Antisemitic Article Featured in Muslim Student Union's 'Alkalima' Magazine

I have been trying to locate a July 2002 article in the Muslim Student Union (MSU) periodical, Alkalima (Arabic for "The Word"), about how two different genetic studies in the American mass media demonstrate Jewish elitism and bigotry. The article is typically read to suggest that Jews are either elitists or genetically different than the bulk of humanity. Both points of views are extremely hateful.

The article can be read here. I was unable to find a copy of the magazine with this article at UC Irvine's library. It was one of the only Alkalima magazines missing and there is a note at the library archive that says it was never returned from an exhibit. This article was also not available online at the Alkalima archive. I was finally able to get a copy from a friend. I've hosted the PDF online so that the MSU cannot attempt to hide their bigotry again.

One of the genetic studies discussed in the article is about a study which concluded there are no "biological differences" between different racial groups (Asians, Blacks, Hispanics, Whites, etc). The other study that the article points out is about how Jews "have maintained their unique genetic identity for centuries." The author concludes that this points to Jewish elitism and racism on the part of Jews/Zionists.

Although he doesn't discuss this genetic study by name, the study regarding Jews that was conducted revolves around the Cohen Modal Holotype. It was conducted around 1997. The author of the Alkalima article fails to note that the presence of this gene does not determine whether a person is Jewish. For starters, Judaism is a religion and a culture, but not a race.

For quick reference about the study, go here. To briefly summarize the study regarding the Cohen Modal Holotype, it confirmed that Jewish Cohanim were statistically inclined to share a common genetic marker, whether they were of Middle Eastern Jewish (Mizrahi) background or European Jewish (Ashkenezi) background. This suggests to some that a biblical tradition from the time of Aron, the brother of Moses, was strictly adhered to and demonstrates shared ancestry among some Jews. However, the vast majority of Jews are not "Cohens" at all. Very few Jewish men carry the Cohen Modal Halotype. It is also crucial to note that the gene is not exclusive to Jewish "Cohanim" and can be found among some non-Jewish Mediterranean and Middle Eastern men. This may indicate shared ancestors between modern Jewish and non-Jewish people. Realistically, this should surprise no one as humanity is much more alike and related than different. Ultimately, this DNA marker is not something that makes one "Jewish" and this study applies to very few Jews.

I conducted a quick search on the featured author. Paul Grubach is a Holocaust revisionist. He works with the Institute for Historical Review which features people like David Irving. You will note that they are distinctly anti-Israel and some writers are even Holocaust deniers (or "revisionists").

This is yet another example of anti-Semitism, bigotry and the misuse of facts on the part of the Muslim Student Union at UCI. Since the vast majority of Jews are not even "Cohanim," the entire article makes zero sense and should make people question exactly what motivations the MSU had to host such a disturbing article in their magazine.

Of course the MSU has every right to feature despicable articles such as these, however we should definitely question the motivations of the MSU in their antisemitic activities and their behaviors.

Posted in: Alkalima,Anti-Semitism,MSU