Orthodox rabbi Elie Buechler at Columbia University and Barnard College advised Jewish students to leave campus and go home due to ongoing anti-Israel agitators on campus. Rabbi Buechler expressed concern about the extreme antisemitism and violence towards Jewish students that were occurring on and around the campus. He recommended that students return home until the situation improves and their safety can be guaranteed.
Rep. Elise Stefanik demanded the immediate resignation of Columbia University President Dr. Nemat “Minouche” Shafik based on the lack of control over the campus, which has put Jewish students at risk. Stefanik accused Columbia’s leadership of failing to enforce campus rules and protect Jewish students from antisemitism. Despite police presence and the arrest and suspension of over 100 individuals, the anti-Israel encampment on campus has persisted with disturbing rhetoric supporting terrorism and violence.
Videos circulating online depict agitators at the Columbia encampment expressing full-on support for terrorism and praising past attacks targeting Jews. Chants included calls for violence against Israelis and expressions of solidarity with Hamas. Jewish students have been subjected to harassment and threats by the participants of the encampment, who have been seen holding signs targeting Jewish individuals.
Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro criticized universities like Columbia for accommodating radical leftists who engage in intimidation and harassment on campus. He described the recent protests at Columbia as attempts to harass and intimidate Jewish students, showcasing support for Hamas and threats towards Jewish individuals. Shapiro emphasized that universities have a responsibility to protect all students from such behavior.
Jewish professor Shai Davidai called for the intervention of the National Guard if the NYPD proves unable to handle the situation at Columbia. He emphasized the need to ensure the safety of Jewish students on campus, characterizing it as a civil rights issue. Davidai condemned the hostile takeover of the university by those expressing support for Hamas and called for the appropriate authorities to disperse the crowd and enforce the law.
The demonstrations at Columbia have been criticized for justifying violence and terrorism rather than advocating for human rights. The protests were seen as an attempt to legitimize the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack, rather than promoting peaceful solutions or human rights advocacy. Jewish students at Columbia have faced threats and intimidation, leading to calls for increased security and protection on campus to ensure their safety and well-being.
