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President Donald Trump’s recent decision to withdraw $400 million in federal funding from Columbia University raises significant concerns regarding the culture of antisemitism pervasive in various academic institutions. This decision serves as a critical moment for self-reflection among leftists and liberals globally.
As a proud alumna of Columbia University, where I earned my master’s degree in international affairs, it was profoundly distressing to witness Senator John Kennedy, R-La., criticize my alma mater during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing focused on antisemitism in America. This hearing, titled Never to Be Silent: Stemming the Tide of Antisemitism in America, was chaired by Senator Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa. Renowned journalist Asra Nomani testified before the committee, addressing the alarming increase in anti-Jewish hate, describing it as an ‘industry’ fueled by various elements.
At the hearing, it became evident that antisemitism has surged in the U.S. in the aftermath of the horrific Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7. Senator Kennedy pointed out Columbia’s troubling history of antisemitism, indicating that under the Biden administration’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, hostility towards Jewish individuals has been allowed to flourish.
During my time at Columbia in the late 2000s, I observed a troubling trend where many academics and student organizations appeared to favor the narratives of aggressors over their victims. The university controversially hosted then-Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, showing questionable judgment regarding who to platform. Furthermore, in 2008, amidst the violent attacks on Mumbai by Pakistani militants, the campus police remained silent.
In 2009, a blatant disregard for open discourse emerged when leftist and Islamic student groups attempted to shut down a lecture by Geert Wilders, a conservative Dutch politician. Although few attendees were present, I attended his lecture and posed challenging inquiries regarding his stance on Islam. However, rather than engaging with differing opinions, a group of students heckled, embodying an atmosphere of intolerance that contradicted Columbia’s supposed commitment to free speech.
Although warning signs were apparent, the depth of the leftist-Islamist alliance at Columbia leaving the campus vulnerable to violence took me by surprise. I never anticipated that a prestigious Ivy League institution would descend into a climate resembling the chaos of developing nations. When Senator Kennedy recounted the assaults on Jewish students occurring at Columbia in the current year, I was deeply disturbed.
The historical parallels between the partition of India and the establishment of Palestinian territories are striking. After World War II, the dissolution of British colonial rule led to the creation of the new states of Pakistan and Israel. While Arab Muslims violently opposed Israel’s formation, Indian leaders chose to embrace Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence, allowing Muslims to prosper within their newly formed nation. Unfortunately, the Pakistan Army opted for jihad, perpetuating decades of conflict. In contrast, Palestinian leadership has often manipulated local Muslim populations as pawns in a prolonged struggle against Israel.
On a global scale, Israel receives unparalleled criticism, and the Palestinian predicament garners significant sympathy. Nevertheless, Muslims frequently overlook other humanitarian crises, such as the genocide of Bangladeshi Muslims perpetrated by the Pakistani Army or the oppression of Muslims in other theocratic regimes. For over seventy years, countless human rights organizations, advocacy groups, and think tanks have demonized Israel, suggesting a troubling agenda.
During the Senate hearing, Nomani recounted the heart-wrenching story of her friend Daniel Pearl, a Wall Street Journal journalist who was murdered by Pakistani terrorists. They targeted him because of his Jewish identity and American citizenship. She highlighted the existence of an extensive network that disseminates antisemitic propaganda and radicalizes American youth against Jews. I witnessed manifestations of this hatred leading up to the hearing while conversing with anti-Israel activists representing Code Pink, who campaigned for a one-state solution while sporting Palestinian keffiyehs.
A recent investigation by the New York Times unveiled how Chinese funding streamed into liberal media and advocacy groups, including Code Pink, showcasing the intersection of foreign influence and domestic agendas. This funding, orchestrated by American millionaire Neville Roy Singham, extends beyond U.S. borders, supporting narratives that oppose India and echo anti-Israel sentiments.
Nomani characterized antisemitism in the U.S. as a sustained battle against malign foreign influence. The proliferation of bigotry towards Jews at Columbia and other universities indicates a troubling alignment with foreign interests. As this animosity becomes weaponized, the ongoing conflict in Gaza shows no sign of resolution.
Trump’s choice to revoke $400 million in federal funding from Columbia represents a pivotal step. Moving forward, it is crucial for his administration to hold accountable individuals and organizations that contribute to the proliferation of antisemitic sentiments. A triumph in America can resonate as a victory for justice worldwide.
