The Orthodox rabbi at Columbia University and Barnard College issued a statement advising Jewish students to leave campus and return home because of ongoing demonstrations by anti-Israel activists that threaten their safety.
Rabbi Elie Buechler, director of OU-LJIC at Columbia/Barnard, urged students via WhatsApp to leave campus “as soon as possible” prior to the onset of Passover. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that “what we are witnessing in and around campus is terrible and tragic.”
The events of the last few days, especially last night, have made it clear that Columbia University’s Public Safety and the NYPD cannot guarantee Jewish students’ safety in the face of extreme antisemitism and anarchy,” Buechler wrote. “It deeply pains me to say that I would strongly recommend you return home as soon as possible and remain home until the reality in and around campus has dramatically improved.”
“It is not our job as Jews to ensure our own safety on campus,” he added. “No one should have to endure this level of hatred, let alone at school.”
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