Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky

By Anne Cohen January 2, 2014

Another famous institution has jumped on the Israel academic boycott bandwagon. A little place known as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry announced that it would “cancel summer student exchange programmes it has in place with several Israeli magical institutes, and withdraw from a Quidditch tournament arranged by the Israeli Tourism Ministry due to be held at Eilat by the Red Sea next Spring.”

At least, that’s what was reported by the Pan-Arabia Enquirer — essentially The Onion of the Middle East.

Merlin’s beard, what a relief! Imagine having to part with all that Harry Potter memorabilia (yes, we know about the Gryffindor scarf hidden in the back of your closet).

Funny as the idea of Minerva McGonagall issuing a statement “in solidarity with sorcerers, scholars and students of magic deprived of their academic freedom in the Occupied Territories”, and citing “Israel’s violation of international law and UN resolutions and its impact on young Palestinian witches and wizards,” what really makes this article worth reading are the comments:

—”As a parent who sends his children to Sweet Valley High, I welcome the decision by Hogwarts in joining our school in protesting this human rights violation.”

—”This is an outrage! Surely we should respect wizardly independence! There’s no reason witchcraft should suffer as a result of any government’s actions. It’s absurd to expect them to have all their broomsticks and cauldrons through the tunnels with Egypt.”

Others didn’t quite get the joke. Muggles… am I right?

I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?

Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.

I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.

The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.

That’s why I’m paying it Forward. I’ve offered a $36,000 matching gift as an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, and I hope you’ll take me up on my offer to double your gift.

Don't just read the Forward - invest in it. Will you support our work today?

— Joel Brown, Forward board chair

Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.

$120 $180 $360 OTHER AMOUNT