A Catholic university in Ohio is offering a lifeline to Jewish students who are facing anti-Semitism at other universities. Franciscan University of Steubenville is allowing these students to transfer and enroll immediately.
“With our fellow Christians around the world, we are praying for justice and peace,” said Father Dave Pivonka, president of the university. “But with too many universities preaching tolerance but practicing prejudice, we feel compelled to do more. We are witnessing a very troubling spike in anti-Semitism and serious threats against Jewish students. We want to offer them the chance to transfer immediately to Franciscan.”
The Ohio university’s administration has taken steps to expedite the transfer process for prospective students who face such bigotry on campus.
“Our community will welcome them with generosity and respect,” said Pivonka. “Our religious differences will not cause any conflict. On the contrary, at Franciscan, our radical fidelity to Christ and the Catholic faith demands of us fraternal charity toward our Jewish brothers and sisters, as it does toward all people.”
Anti-Israel and Anti-Semitic Sentiment on Campus
In the aftermath of Hamas’s Oct. 7 terror attack on Israel, which claimed the lives of over 1,400 Israelis, academia has seen a rise in anti-Israel and anti-Semitic sentiment.
Student groups at various schools across the country have released statements excusing or even celebrating the attacks. At Harvard University, dozens of student groups signed a statement blaming “the Israeli regime entirely responsible for all unfolding violence.” Meanwhile, university chapters of Students for Justice in Palestine promoted a “Day of Resistance” with a flyer featuring a person on a motorized paraglider, referencing one of the methods used by Hamas terrorists to enter Israel.
At Columbia University, a woman allegedly assaulted a 24-year-old Israeli student with a stick while the student was hanging up posters of hostages captured by the terrorists. And at Cornell University, a professor described the terror attacks as “exhilarating” and “energizing” to a crowd of students, defending his remarks by stating that Hamas had “shifted the balance of power” in the Palestinian struggle.
How has the introduction of a scholarship program for Jewish students transferring from other institutions been received by the Jewish community and organizations
Y. “As a Catholic institution, we are committed to creating a welcoming and safe environment for all students, regardless of their faith or background. We believe in the inherent dignity of every person, and we stand against any form of discrimination or hatred.”
This decision comes in response to the recent rise in anti-Semitic incidents on college campuses across the United States. According to the Anti-Defamation League, there were 412 anti-Semitic incidents on college campuses in the US in 2020, which was a 40% increase from the previous year.
Jewish students have reported facing verbal harassment, physical assaults, and the vandalization of their property. Many have expressed feeling unsafe and isolated on their campuses and are seeking alternatives where they can continue their education without fear.
Franciscan University of Steubenville aims to provide a haven for these students, offering not only a supportive community but also a strong academic program. The university is known for its commitment to faith-based education and offers a variety of majors and extracurricular activities.
“We want to extend our love and support to Jewish students who have been targeted elsewhere,” said Father Pivonka. “We want them to know that they are valued and that they have a place where they can thrive academically, spiritually, and personally.”
The university has also introduced a scholarship program specifically for Jewish students transferring from other institutions. The scholarship covers a significant portion of the students’ tuition, making it more affordable for them to continue their education at Franciscan University of Steubenville.
This initiative has been widely praised by Jewish organizations and leaders who see it as a positive step towards combating anti-Semitism on college campuses. It sends a message of inclusivity and support to Jewish students and reaffirms the university’s commitment to fostering a diverse and tolerant community.
“Franciscan University of Steubenville is setting an example for other institutions to follow,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League. “They are showing that universities can take proactive measures to protect and support Jewish students, and we hope others will follow suit.”
While the university’s decision may not solve the broader issue of anti-Semitism on college campuses, it is a step towards creating a safer and more welcoming environment for Jewish students. It demonstrates the power of solidarity and empathy in the fight against hate and discrimination.
Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that all students, regardless of their faith or background, can pursue their education without fear of prejudice or harassment. Franciscan University of Steubenville’s gesture of support is a reminder that universities have a responsibility to create inclusive spaces and protect the well-being of their students.
In a time when divisiveness and intolerance seem to be on the rise, it is heartening to see institutions like Franciscan University of Steubenville taking a stand and offering a haven for those who need it most. Their commitment to justice, peace, and solidarity should serve as an inspiration to others.
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