Ronn Torossian, a PR executive and associate of Mayor Eric Adams, was arrested at a pro-Palestinian encampment at Syracuse University while protesting school inaction on student safety issues, including antisemitism. University officials described Torossian as aggressive towards students and he was then arrested by campus security for refusing to leave. The arrest followed an earlier off-campus incident where a non-student pro-Palestinian protester attacked a Jewish student, further highlighting the tense situations that universities are facing amid ongoing protests that involve both students and non-students. Torossian and other Jewish parents were frustrated by the lack of action from the university following an attack on Israel by Hamas, leading them to engage in nonviolent civil disobedience.
The incident at Syracuse University escalated when pro-Palestinian protesters gathered near the campus and later confronted Jewish students at a nearby fraternity with Nazi salutes and violence, causing a backlash from parents like Torossian who felt that the university should address the incident as antisemitism. The university’s chief communications officer, Jeff Stoecker, stated that they cannot intervene in off-campus incidents, despite witness reports that campus safety officers had approached the fraternity earlier during the protest. Torossian’s subsequent arrest at the student encampment was reported by the Syracuse student newspaper, and he was charged with disorderly conduct and trespassing. He claimed that a convicted felon was allowed to stay on campus while he was asked to leave, raising questions about the university’s security measures.
The school’s response to the incident highlighted a lack of official recognition for groups like the Syracuse Jewish Parents Council, despite their efforts to communicate their concerns to university officials. Stoecker mentioned that the university had been in daily communication with parents and families through various channels, including phone calls, emails, and Zoom sessions. The Hillel chapter, which represents Jewish students on campus, hosted a Zoom session with parents to address their concerns. Stoecker also criticized Torossian for spreading misinformation and trying to manipulate the situation for personal agendas, causing an inaccurate portrayal of the demonstration at Syracuse.
Political figures like Senator Josh Hawley weighed in on the situation, calling for action against lawbreakers and students involved in the protests. This added to the controversy surrounding the incident, which continued to escalate as the non-affiliated man pointed out by Torossian was later arrested for trespassing at the encampment. These developments raised questions about the role of universities in managing protests and ensuring the safety of students and parents on campus. The incidents at Syracuse University underscored the challenges faced by universities in navigating contentious issues like antisemitism, free speech, and protests, as well as the complex dynamics between students, parents, and external supporters involved in these conflicts.
