Crisis at Columbia University as Rabbi Urges Jewish Students Home
TL/DR –
Columbia University is facing a crisis as a rabbi linked to the school urged Jewish students to stay home amid rising tensions on campus. The situation, which has drawn condemnation from the White House and New York officials, escalated following antisemitism and pro-Palestinian protests on and around the campus. The university’s president, Minouche Shafik, is under fire, with some critics demanding her resignation, while Republican chair of the House Education Committee, Rep. Virginia Foxx, warned of consequences if the university does not control the protests.
Columbia University in Passover Crisis Amid Anti-Semitism Allegations
A crisis at Columbia University is ensuing as a rabbi linked to the institution advised Jewish students to stay home amid heightened tensions. This has sparked condemnations from the White House and New York officials.
Due to the charged atmosphere, Columbia officials have announced virtual classes and potential online exams from the start of Passover.
University tensions escalated in the wake of the October 7 terror attack on Israel by Hamas. The situation was further aggravated by an increase in antisemitism on campus and surging pro-Palestinian protests.
The crisis has put Columbia President Minouche Shafik under the spotlight, with US Rep. Elise Stefanik of the Republican party demanding her immediate resignation.
Rep. Virginia Foxx, the Republican chair of the House Education Committee, sent a letter warning university leaders about potential consequences if protests are not controlled.
Rabbi Elie Buechler, affiliated with Columbia University’s Orthodox Union Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus, advised a group of about 300 mostly Orthodox Jewish students to return home and stay there due to safety concerns.
The White House expressed concerns about the situation, urging calm. Meanwhile, New York officials have increased police presence around Columbia’s campus to protect students.
‘Discomfort and fear’
The university has emphasized that the safety of the Columbia community is its top priority while providing additional resources to ensure security.
Despite Rabbi Buechler’s advice, the campus Hillel said that Jewish students should not leave the campus.
During Passover, the Kraft Center, a Jewish cultural center, will have a police presence, and campus public safety will provide walking escorts to and from the building.
Columbia University Apartheid Divest states that their “priority is the safety of all” and does not support antagonizing counter protestors or escalating situations unnecessarily.
The demonstrations at Columbia University have inspired solidarity rallies at other universities, including Yale, Harvard, University of North Carolina, and Boston University.
Yale’s Office of Public Affairs said it is investigating a report of an assault that occurred during a protest on Beinecke Plaza.
Columbia law school student, Elijah Emery, who is Jewish, expressed that “the right of peaceful protest is paramount” and that he is disturbed by the use of the police to disrupt the encampment.
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