ACT NOW! Stand Against Antisemitism at Columbia University

ACT NOW! Stand Against Antisemitism at Columbia University

Since October 7th, a surge of antisemitism has swept through North American universities, leaving Jewish students feeling increasingly targeted and unsafe.

Among these campuses, Columbia University in New York has emerged as a focal point of concern due to alarming incidents of antisemitic rhetoric and support for terrorist organizations.

At Columbia, anti-Israel activists recently erected a “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” on campus, accompanied by protests featuring pro-Hamas sentiments and antisemitic chants.

Despite university regulations being violated, President Minouche Shafik’s attempts to resolve the situation peacefully were met with rejection by the involved students.

Student groups and professors at Columbia have openly celebrated Hamas’s heinous attack on October 7th, with some even labeling it as a “stunning victory” and “awesome.”

This glorification of violence against innocent civilians is abhorrent and has no place in any academic institution.

AOC and Ilhan Omar claim the protests are peaceful.

Let’s check in on Columbia University.

They are screaming —
“K!ll all Zionists! Long live Hamas.”pic.twitter.com/VTVLKsQKPj

— Marina Medvin (@MarinaMedvin) April 24, 2024

In addition to celebrating terrorism, there have been numerous instances of antisemitic and anti-Israel demonstrations on Columbia’s campus.

These demonstrations have included chants of “death to the Jews” and calls for the destruction of Israel, a blatant violation of the university’s code of conduct.

The chants and statements coming from this encampment are deeply troubling, with calls for violence against Jewish individuals and expressions of support for Hamas, a recognized terrorist group responsible for countless attacks against innocent civilians.

These actions have drawn condemnation from various quarters, including the White House, which rightfully labeled such rhetoric as blatantly antisemitic and dangerous.

Jewish students at Columbia have been advised to prioritize their safety and leave campus amidst the escalating tensions. This situation is intolerable and demands immediate action.

Despite the gravity of these events, Columbia’s response has been inadequate.

For example, Aidan Parisi, a graduate student involved in organizing a “Palestinian Resistance 101” event featuring terror-tied speakers advocating violence against Jews, was only given an interim suspension. Parisi’s refusal to leave campus and his pledge to “resist institutional repression” is deeply troubling and indicative of a larger problem at Columbia.

While President Minouche Shafik claims to have addressed the issue by speaking to offending professors, such actions are insufficient in the face of such blatant hatred and incitement to violence.

It is clear that Columbia University is failing to adequately address and combat antisemitism on its campus.

We cannot allow our educational institutions to harbor ideologies that promote violence and discrimination against any group, including Jews.

It is imperative that Columbia takes decisive steps to address this issue, including disciplinary actions against those responsible for inciting hatred and creating a hostile environment on campus.

Additionally, measures must be implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of Jewish students and faculty.

ACT NOW to combat antisemitism at Columbia University and ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all.

SEND AN EMAIL TO COLUMBIA AT: gsas-studentaffairs@columbia.edu

 

SAMPLE EMAIL:

Subject: Urgent Action Needed: Addressing Antisemitism at Columbia University

 

Dear Student Affairs,

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent incidents of antisemitism on Columbia’s campus. The glorification of terrorism and the promotion of hate speech against Jewish students and faculty are unacceptable and must be addressed with urgency.

 

I urge you to take immediate and decisive action to combat antisemitism at Columbia University. This includes implementing strict disciplinary measures against individuals involved in promoting hate speech and violence, providing support and protection for Jewish students and faculty, and actively working to create a campus environment that is inclusive and safe for all.

Sincerely,

The post ACT NOW! Stand Against Antisemitism at Columbia University first appeared on United with Israel.
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