Now, I’ve tried out a number of professions — soda jerk, lumberjack, jack of all trades, tantric sex instructor, naturalist in Estotiland, gandy dancer on the Atchison Topeka and the Santa Fe — but until now I hadn’t thought of becoming an expert in genocide studies. Now that I know how easy it is, and cheap, too, in every sense, I think I’ll become one of those experts so I can join in the denunciation of malevolent teeny-weeny Israel for its “genocide” in Gaza. More on just how easy it is to become a member of the International Association of Genocide Scholars can be found here: “‘Genocide scholars’ for $30? Easy entry, fake members undermine confidence in IAGS resolution,” by Michael Starr, Jerusalem Post, September 4, 2025:
Activists have brought into question the credibility of a new International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) resolution declaring Israel to be engaged in genocide, with the discovery that admission into the organization could be obtained for $30, and its membership had spiked since October 2023.
Until Wednesday, applicants could purchase an annual membership subscription according to their income bracket.
Prices ranged from $30 to $125 to be able to participate in IAGS activities, including e-mail voting for resolutions, such as the Monday one on Israeli actions in Gaza.
Honest Reporting Board member Salo Aizenberg and Middle East analyst Eitan Fischberger demonstrated on social media the ease of joining the association on Wednesday, leading to a wave of applications. Those seeking to become “genocide scholars” inundated the website, with some applying as Nazi leader Adolf Hitler or Star Wars villain Emperor Palpatine.
“It turns out literally anyone can join this body and vote on matters that make international headlines – like the resolution claiming Israel is committing genocide,” Aizenberg said on X/Twitter.
“Yes, there are some legitimate academics who are members. But when an organization with no standards, no transparency, and no accountability makes sweeping pronouncements about ‘genocide,’ it isn’t scholarship – it’s politics masquerading as scholarship. And everyone deserves to know the difference.”…
According to Internet archives, IAGS’s directory of members stood at about 150 on October 2, 2023. Membership in IAGS almost doubled to 280 by April 2024, and again to 440 by the release of its newest resolution.
Strange, that sudden explosion in membership in the IAGS that began just after October 7, 2023. Did those who joined after that date have in mind that the organization might be the perfect vehicle for those wanting a scholarly cover for their anti-Israel animus?
Aizenberg questioned on social media how it was known who voted for the Israel resolution. According to a September 1 press release, 28% of the association’s members voted on the resolution, with 86% [of that 28%] in favor….
At the time of the press release on September 1, IAGS announced that it had 500 members. Few of those commenting on the “Israel is guilty of genocide” resolution put out by the IAGS remarked that only 28% of the members — 140 — had even bothered to vote. And of those 140, only 120 voted for the resolution. It certainly would have put a different slant if the headlines about the vote had read, truthfully, thus: “Only 120 out of 500 members of the IAGS have voted for a resolution accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.”
Now I, and a few hundred others, have sent in our applications for membership, along with the membership fee. Surely we won’t be rejected. Isn’t our money just as good as that of others who have joined IAGS since October 7, 2023 — Marwan, Ahmed, Mahmoud, Mohamed, Muhammad, Jihad, Yahya, Khaled, Ismail? Of course it is. And once our membership applications are accepted — what would be the grounds for keeping us out? — we’ll be coming out with a new IAGS resolution on Gaza, Hamas, and Israel. I can promise you it won’t be anything like the first one. Stay tuned.
࿗Infidel࿘ says
If I became one, and then decided to grill Bangladesh for its genocide of Hindus, Buddhists and Christians, would I retain membership, or be expelled? And if expelled, will my $30 be re-imbursed?
Donald Duck says
Violations amount to war crimes | Women and girls raped in Al-Suwaidaa during the bloody July events
SOHR renews its call for formation of an independent UN commission to investigate grave violations in Al-Suwaidaa
On Sep 6, 2025
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SOHR has documented seven cases of rape targeting women and girls during the bloody events that took place in Al-Suwaidaa city and the countryside last July. The most recent was a horrific incident in which a minor girl was repeatedly harassed by several members before being raped by a foreign fighter affiliated with the Ministries of Defence and Interior. The crime left the victim suffering from severe psychological trauma.
SOHR also obtained forensic medical reports confirming that the victims were subjected to sexual assaults by members of the Ministries of Defence and Interior and their affiliated forces. At the same time, 11 other rape cases are being investigated by forensic medicine in Al-Suwaidaa, in addition to information about other victims whom the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has not yet been able to reach or verify, due to social customs and traditions that prevent disclosure of such crimes out of fear of “shame.”
SOHR affirms that, under international humanitarian law, rape is classified as a war crime.
Accordingly, SOHR stresses that these grave violations necessitate the formation of an independent UN investigative committee tasked with collecting evidence and testimonies and directly overseeing the investigations to ensure that the perpetrators do not escape justice and that all those involved are held accountable, regardless of their positions or affiliations. SOHR also calls for psychological and social support and special protection to be provided for victims and witnesses, in line with the international community’s commitments to human rights and international law.
gravenimage says
Don’t expect any of these “genocide scholars” to be condemning this actual genocide.
gravenimage says
Want to Be a ‘Genocide Scholar’? It’ll Cost You Just $30, No Questions Asked
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Last I hard it was $125–but I guess $30 better reflects its worth…
IAGS sounds as though it may have been a real thing when founded back in the 1990s–but this has not been the case for some tme now. Sure sounds impressive, though–whichi is all that counts.
Hugh Fitzgerald says
It’s a sliding scale: $30 must be paid br the poorest “genocide scholars” and all the way up to $125 for the richest.
OLD GUY says
Hell thats way cheaper than a college education. Neither of which will prove you know anything or have the big one Common Sense.