Columbia University Takes a Stand Against Rising Antisemitism

Fox News presents “Antisemitism Exposed,” a newsletter highlighting the troubling surge in anti-Jewish sentiment across the United States and beyond.

IN THIS EDITION:

– Columbia University’s new president takes decisive action as anti-Jewish protestors disrupt library activities
– Dave Portnoy retracts controversial offer linked to antisemitic incident
– Numerous individuals arrested after anti-Israel demonstrators seize Columbia University library during finals week

HEADLINE STORY: Recently, more than 100 masked anti-Israel protestors stormed Columbia University’s Butler Library in New York City, causing significant disturbances as students prepared for finals on Wednesday. Interim President Claire Shipman promptly requested assistance from the NYPD, which led to the arrest of over 80 individuals. Authorities from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement now aim to evaluate the immigration status of those arrested, potentially leading to deportations, according to insider reports.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHT: Billionaire businessman Bill Ackman has recently spoken out about the implications of Harvard, his own alma mater, possibly losing its tax-exempt status due to inadequate protection of free speech on campus. WATCH THE DISCUSSION:

AN UNEXPECTED TURN: Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy shared a new video explaining his decision to revoke what he described as a “teachable moment” offer to one of the individuals involved in posting an offensive sign that read “f— the Jews” at one of his establishments. Initially, Portnoy had offered to send the individuals to Auschwitz, the notorious concentration camp operated by the Nazis during World War II, to educate them about the Holocaust. Learn more about his decision here.

ANTISEMITIC RHETORIC: A Columbia University student activist, recently released from ICE custody, was identified as having previously told a gun shop owner in 2015 that “I like to kill Jews”. The activist, Mohsen Mahdawi, had visited the local gun shop considering various firearms, which raised significant concerns among authorities, as indicated in recent court documents.

CAMPUS DISRUPTIONS: On Monday, a faction of anti-Israel marchers occupied a building at the University of Washington in Seattle, leading to police intervention in riot gear and at least 30 arrests. Protestors maintained their position in an engineering building for several hours, demanding divestment from Boeing while setting several dumpsters ablaze as tensions escalated.

REFLECTION ON HISTORY: Eight decades after the Holocaust, warning signs have emerged around the alarming trend of denying or downplaying its significance, as articulated by Merrill Eisenhower Atwater, the great-grandson of former President Dwight D. Eisenhower. His statements coincided with the global observance of the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.

VIEWPOINT FROM ACADEMIA: In a guest editorial, Max Abrahms, a faculty member at Northeastern University, notes a stark transformation on campus culture since President Trump assumed office. He recalls the surge of antisemitism following the horrific massacre on October 7 in Israel but expresses optimism about the current climate.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “When you’re sitting with 80 Holocaust survivors and both you and they are crying because of how special the moment is—and they tell you, ‘Without your great-grandfather, this never would have happened’—I say, without your bravery, this never would have happened.” These poignant words come from Merrill Eisenhower Atwater.

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