U.S. District Judge Roy Altman, a prominent figure in the Southern District of Florida, has spearheaded an unprecedented panel on antisemitism at the Federalist Society’s annual National Lawyers Convention. The event, held next week, marks a departure from the usual single-speaker format, with Altman leading a discussion that includes seven Trump-appointed judges, one appointee of former President George W. Bush, and a justice from the Texas Supreme Court. This initiative comes amidst growing concerns over antisemitism following the Hamas attack on Israel in 2023, which reignited tensions in the Middle East and led to widespread protests, particularly on U.S. college campuses.
Altman, who has been vocal about his Jewish identity, emphasized the importance of the judiciary’s role in addressing legal and moral questions surrounding antisemitism. He noted that the discussions will delve into complex issues such as whether Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute violations of international law, and whether the country is an apartheid state. These questions, according to Altman, require the expertise of federal judges to provide accurate legal interpretations. The panel also aims to address First Amendment concerns, highlighting the balance between free speech and the need to combat hate speech.
The Federalist Society, known for its conservative leanings, has indicated that the panel will explore personal experiences of the judges regarding conversations with individuals of different faiths about anti-Jewish sentiment. Additionally, the discussion will address the legal implications of antisemitism, including how courts have handled cases involving noncitizens whose speech is critical of Israel. This context is particularly relevant given the Trump administration’s efforts to deport pro-Palestinian protesters, a move that has drawn criticism from free speech advocates.
Recent developments, such as New York University’s cancellation of a talk by Jewish legal scholar Ilya Shapiro due to security concerns, underscore the tensions surrounding the debate. Altman criticized the one-sided nature of campus discussions, stating that many students have a distorted understanding of Israel’s role in the Middle East. He argued that the judiciary must intervene to ensure a balanced discourse, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue and legal clarity in addressing antisemitism. The Federalist Society’s panel represents a significant step in addressing these complex and sensitive issues within the legal and political landscape.