White House Criticizes Anti-Semitic Incidents at Columbia University

A spokesperson from the White House strongly condemned violent anti-Jewish protests at Columbia University on Sunday, raising concerns about the increasing antisemitism.

President Joe Biden has not yet made a personal statement on the issue, as reported by Cleveland Jewish News here.

In a statement addressing the recent incidents, White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates stressed the importance of peaceful protests while denouncing any violence or intimidation targeting Jewish students.

Bates stated, “Calls for violence and physical intimidation against Jewish students and the Jewish community are clearly antisemitic, unacceptable, and dangerous.”

He also criticized the rhetoric resembling that of terrorist groups, particularly in the wake of recent deadly attacks on the Jewish community.

“We strongly condemn these statements,” he added.

Noting that this was the White House’s first public response to antisemitism since February, Josh Kraushaar, editor-in-chief of Jewish Insider, described a growing concern about the issue.

The tension heightened over the weekend, leading Rabbi Elie Buechler, a campus leader, to advise Jewish students to leave until their safety could be guaranteed.

Buechler expressed worry over “extreme antisemitism and chaos” and expressed doubts about the university’s and NYPD’s ability to ensure the safety of Jewish students, as per the New York Post report.

According to Mediaite, hundreds of demonstrators advocating for Palestinian rights have gathered in the past week, calling for an end to the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

These Columbia University student protesters set up a “Gaza Solidarity Encampment,” complete with tents and signs, to amplify their message. The protests led to the arrest of several activists, including Rep. Ilhan Omar’s daughter, D-Minn.