A prominent rabbi at Columbia University has issued a stark warning to Jewish students, advising them to depart campus due to what he describes as "extreme antisemitism," the New York Post reported.
Rabbi Elie Buechler's directive follows a recent surge in anti-Israel protests, including incidents of hate speech and threats of violence against Jewish students, prompting concerns over safety within the Ivy League institution.
In the aftermath of yet another night marked by anti-Israel demonstrations on campus, Buechler conveyed his personal distressing message to students via WhatsApp on Sunday morning. He expressed a loss of confidence in the university's ability, alongside the NYPD, to ensure the safety of Jewish students amidst what he termed as "extreme antisemitism and anarchy."
"It deeply pains me to say that I would strongly recommend you return home as soon as possible and remain home until the reality in and around campus has dramatically improved," Buechler said, emphasizing that ensuring personal safety should not fall upon the shoulders of Jewish students.
The recent unrest at Columbia has been characterized by incidents of hostility towards Jewish students expressing their solidarity with Israel. Witnesses recounted how Jewish students, peacefully protesting with Israeli flags and singing songs of peace, were met with hate speech and threats of violence.
One student recalled a protester brandishing a sign advocating for Hamas to target Jewish students, an act described as "a call to violence" and emblematic of the escalating tensions on campus.
Despite Buechler's warning to leave, some Jewish students remain resolute to stay on campus despite feeling besieged by what they describe as a "hostile environment."
Avi Weinberg, a senior at Columbia, expressed horror at the current state of affairs, condemning the university administration for failing to address the safety concerns of Jewish students adequately.
"We cannot go back to living in a world … where Jewish students can't go to school," Weinberg said.
The situation has attracted broader attention, with House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik of New York calling for the resignation of Columbia president Minouche Shafik, accusing the administration of losing control and jeopardizing the safety of Jewish students.
"Over the past few months and especially in the last 24 hours, Columbia's leadership has clearly lost control of its campus, putting Jewish students' safety at risk," she said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Columbia's Jewish community organizations have pledged support to students and urged swift action from both the university and the city to restore calm and ensure the safety of all students on and around campus.
"Columbia University and the city of New York must do more to protect students. We call on the University Administration to act immediately in restoring calm to campus," wrote Brian Cohen, the executive director of the Kraft Center for Jewish Student Life. "The city must ensure that students can walk up and down Broadway and Amsterdam without fear of harassment."
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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