Columbia Rabbi Advises Jewish Students to Consider Leaving Campus Due to Safety Concerns and Lack of Assurances from School and NYPD

The Orthodox Rabbi of Columbia University and Barnard College recently advised Jewish students to leave campus and go home due to ongoing anti-Israel activity, including an on-campus “encampment” where participants have expressed support for terrorism and violence against Jewish students. Rabbi Elie Buechler recommended leaving until the situation improves, stating that the events are terrible and tragic. Representative Elise Stefanik has demanded the resignation of Dr. Nemat “Minouche” Shafik, president of Columbia University, and accused the school of failing to protect Jewish students and covering up pro-terrorism professors.

Despite efforts by the New York Police Department, more than 100 individuals arrested and suspended from Columbia University have been released, and the anti-Israel encampment on campus remains. Videos show participants expressing support for Hamas and advocating violence against Jewish students. Some held signs indicating that Jewish students were being targeted. Ben Shapiro criticized universities for coddling radical leftists while suppressing conservative voices. Jewish professor Shai Davidai called on the National Guard to intervene to protect Jewish students if the NYPD cannot take action to disperse the crowds.

During a congressional hearing, House Republicans questioned Columbia University’s impact on professors who supported Hamas. Joseph Massad, Katherine Franke and Mohamed Abdou each made controversial statements in support of terrorism. Davidai emphasized that the protests in Columbia are not about human rights, but serve to justify violence. He requested a police escort to sit in the center of the encampment, for protection from possible threats. The situation at Columbia University has escalated, leading to concerns about the safety of Jewish students on campus.

The demonstrations in Columbia have led to criticism and demands from political leaders for accountability. Anti-Israel sentiment on campus has escalated, supporting terrorist organizations like Hamas and calling for violence against Jewish students. Public figures and Jewish leaders are calling for immediate action to ensure the safety of Jewish students and prevent further escalation of anti-Israel activities. The ongoing protests and encampments have raised concerns about the environment at Columbia University and the handling of anti-Semitic incidents involving students and professors.

The situation at Columbia University highlights broader issues of freedom of expression, activism and campus safety in academic settings. Jewish students feel increasingly unsafe due to the escalating anti-Semitic activities on campus. The call for the National Guard to intervene underlines the seriousness of the situation and the need for strong measures to protect against violence and intimidation. Columbia’s polarized campus atmosphere reflects larger societal divisions over Israel, anti-Semitism and freedom of speech.

As tensions continue to rise at Columbia University, the need for immediate action to protect Jewish students and address anti-Israel extremism has become critical. The campus environment has become hostile for Jewish students as protests and demonstrations escalate, supporting terrorist organizations and advocating violence. Calls for accountability from university leadership and law enforcement demonstrate the urgency of the situation. The ongoing conflict in Columbia underscores the complex challenges universities face in addressing extremism, hate speech, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all students.