As is customary, the group rammed through a resolution accusing Israel of genocide without allowing a debate, according to a member of the International Association for Genocide Scholars on Monday.
The association denied the resolution's story, claiming that the vote was conducted in compliance with its bylaws and usual operating processes.
Genocide expert Sara Brown stated that she has been a member of the group for over a decade and served on its advisory board for two four-year periods. In addition, Brown is the regional director of the American Jewish Committee in San Diego.
According to her, the group usually hosts a virtual town hall where members can debate contentious resolutions. "The association's leadership declined to hold a discussion on the Israel resolution," she stated.
"The resolution's content and its forced passage demonstrate a shameful lack of professionalism," she remarked. Her concerns with the resolution include the fact that it references groups like Amnesty International that have twisted the definition of genocide to apply to Israel. Additionally, the group referenced Francesca Albanese, the UN special investigator for the Palestinians, who has a history of racism and extremist language, including denying Israel the right to self-defense.
According to emails obtained by The Times of Israel, the association's leadership stated in late July that a town hall meeting would be held to address the Israel resolution "as with previous resolutions." However, they then changed their minds, citing a vote by the association's executive board.
According to the emails, the association also refused to reveal the names of the members who prepared the resolution and prohibited the publication of dissident views on its list serve, claiming that it was not a venue for such conversations.
According to Brown, out of an estimated 500 association members, just 129 cast votes on the resolution. Although the association's membership was made aware of the vote in advance, many decided not to participate, most likely because they did not believe they were competent to discuss the matter, according to Brown.
According to Brown, "that benefits those activists who are trying to spread a misleading narrative about Israel." "It was pushed through without the customary transparency; it wasn't rushed."
There aren't many requirements to join the association, she continued. Previously composed primarily of academics, the association now also comprises activists and artists, according to Brown.
According to her, the increased membership "opens the door for something like this to happen" but may also be a strength by bringing in a variety of perspectives.
On behalf of the association as a whole, it appears that this vote was unanimous. It wasn't, and they wouldn't engage in an open, critical dialogue," Brown stated. "I believe the leadership had a plan."
"The public will see, 'Genocide experts agree,'" she said. No, we don't, and our quiet was purposefully maintained.
The association's communications officer, Emily Sample, disapproved with Brown's explanation of the procedure.
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