Columbia Jewish alumni: 'Violence against Jewish students on campus is imminent'

• Published date: 21 April 2024
• Author: DARCIE GRUNBLATT
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

The letter called for Dr. Shafik to take "all possible steps to protect Jewish safety." This letter comes one day after the mass arrests on Columbia's campus and two days following the congressional hearing in which Colombia has been charged with not doing enough to protect its Jewish students on campus

The letter highlighted "unauthorized protests" that they say are "disrupting classes and creating an irrefutably unsafe environment for Jewish students." Then the letter provided an example, saying, "Within the last 24 hours, for example, protesters assaulted an invited speaker and threatened Jewish students by shouting, 'We know where you live.' Immediately outside Columbia's gates, protesters shouted that 'October 7 would be every day' for Jewish students while, on its lawn, protesters called for the destruction of Israel and equated the NYPD and IDF to the KKK."

The letter claimed that suspended students and some suspended faculty members are actively participating in these protests and are "openly fomenting unrest." It also claims that those unaffiliated with the university are joining the protests.

CJAA pointed to a petition organized by Jewish students asking for the ability to take their remaining classes online due to fears of violence and intimidation.

CJAA asserted that Columbia is now under "mob rule." They continue, "A mob – by the way, that is only interested in attention and chaos, rather than thoughtful dialogue or reasoned debate."

The letter concluded with a call to close Columbia's gates so that those unaffiliated with the university or those who have been suspended cannot access the campus and can be arrested or removed. The letter says, "The actions of a few should not be allowed to sully the reputation of this esteemed institution nor jeopardize the futures of the students it serves."

Congressional hearing on Capitol Hill

The congressional hearing on Wednesday brought to light the environment in which Jewish students learn at Columbia University. Several congressmen highlighted professors who celebrated the October 7 attack in the classroom and across social media, including Joseph Andoni Massad, Katherine Franke, and Mohamed Abdou.

When Dr. Shafik was asked how they were penalized, she told Congress that they had been spoken to, and several were under investigation.

Dr. Shafik then divulged that Dr. Massad and Professor Franke were under investigation for making "discriminatory remarks" and said that Dr. Abdou "will never work at...