House Republicans criticized Rep. Ilhan Omar for suggesting during a hearing on antisemitism at Columbia University that campus demonstrations deriding Jews were not “anti-Jewish.” Two Republicans on the committee, including Rep. Elise Stefanik, further questioned Columbia University President Dr. Nemat “Minouche” Shafik on whether slogans like “F– the Jews” were anti-Jewish, leading to a concession from Shafik. The committee chair, Rep. Virginia Foxx, expressed disbelief at Shafik’s initial denial of any anti-Jewish incidents on campus, stating that the hearing was explicitly about addressing such issues.
At the hearing, protesters demanded entry to the Capitol proceeding, while back at Columbia University, anti-Israel agitators staged an “occupation” protest calling for divestment from Israel. The New York City Police Department arrested at least four people when crowds defied the school’s orders to end the protest. Foxx emphasized the importance of supporting Jewish students against antisemitism, expressing her commitment to stand with them and fight against discrimination and harassment. House Republicans also hosted a group of Jewish students at the Capitol before the hearing, allowing them to share their experiences of antisemitism on campus.
One student, Eden Yadegar, recounted instances of discrimination on campus, including a Columbia professor’s disparaging remarks about Jewish students and incidents of harassment. Another student, Yola Ashkenazi, described the university’s recognition of clubs with exclusionary policies towards Zionists, as well as incidents of hate symbols and calls for violence against the Jewish community. Ashkenazi shared how her friend was instructed not to wear anything identifying him as Jewish in certain situations due to tensions on campus. Yadegar expressed hope that the hearing would lead to a shift away from continued anti-Israel demonstrations on campus, stating that Jewish students have faced isolation but remain resilient in fighting against discrimination.
Yadegar noted that student demonstrators may feel emboldened due to inadequate disciplinary actions, but expressed hope for a change in the university’s response moving forward. Despite facing challenges on campus, she emphasized the importance of Jewish representation in academic spaces and expressed cautious optimism about the university’s recent actions against antisemitism. The students’ testimonies highlighted the need for continued efforts to combat discrimination and hate speech on college campuses, with a focus on supporting and protecting Jewish students. House Republicans’ engagement with these students and the hearing itself underscored the commitment to addressing antisemitism and ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all students on campus.
