Cornell investigates violent threats against Jewish students and kosher dining hall.
Jewish Students at Cornell University Fear for Their Safety After Online Threats
Jewish students at Cornell University in upstate New York were left terrified on Sunday night as a series of threatening messages appeared on an unrelated website. The messages, allegedly taken from the Greek Rank website, contained extreme violence threats against Jewish students. The anonymous users behind the threats claimed that “Israel deserved 10/7” and called for the elimination of Jewish presence on the Cornell campus. One user even mentioned shooting up a specific building.
There’s more. https://t.co/NgdZX3OOXO pic.twitter.com/AMqWvrlu87
— Isaac de Castro (@isaacdecastrog) October 29, 2023
The Cornell Hillel, a prominent Jewish campus organization, took to social media to warn students and staff to avoid the 104 West building, which houses the Kosher Dining Hall and is near the Center for Jewish Living. They urged caution due to the online threats. The university administration and Cornell Police Department are closely monitoring the situation and have increased security measures at 104 West as a precaution.
Cornell University has a significant Jewish population, with approximately 3,000 undergraduate and 500 graduate Jewish students, making up 22% of the student body, according to the Hillel website.
In response to the threats, Cornell President Martha E. Pollack issued a statement condemning the antisemitic messages and emphasizing the university’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its community. Campus police are actively investigating the situation, and the FBI has been notified of a potential hate crime.
Pollack stated, “We will not tolerate antisemitism at Cornell. The virulence and destructiveness of antisemitism are real and deeply impacting our Jewish students, faculty, and staff, as well as the entire Cornell community. This incident highlights the need to combat the forces that are dividing us and driving us toward hate. This cannot be what defines us at Cornell.”
While the source and severity of the threats remain unknown, it is evident that the Jewish community in the United States continues to face rising threats amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Last week, anti-Israel graffiti appeared on the Cornell campus, coinciding with a professor’s leave of absence after expressing support for Hamas’s actions against Israel.
Amid increasing Jew-hatred and several pro-Hamas rallies on campus, including one at which a professor called Hamas’s massacre “exhilarating,” students at @Cornell were greeted by this egregious, hateful display this morning.
What is Cornell doing to protect its Jewish students? pic.twitter.com/lDvSA6fKA3— Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) October 25, 2023
It is crucial for universities like Cornell to take immediate action to protect their students and combat antisemitism. The safety and well-being of all students, regardless of their religious or ethnic background, should be a top priority.
Virginia Kruta contributed to this report.
What resources and support are being provided to the Jewish students affected by these threats at Cornell University?
Ng the hateful messages and reaffirming the university’s commitment to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students. She expressed her deep concern for the Jewish community at Cornell and assured them that the university would be taking immediate action to address the situation.
President Pollack also emphasized that any form of hatred or discrimination has no place on campus and will not be tolerated. She called on the entire Cornell community to stand together against bigotry and work towards creating a campus culture that celebrates diversity and promotes understanding.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from students, faculty, and alumni. Many have taken to social media to express their support for the Jewish students and to call for swift action to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for the threats. The Cornell Police Department is working diligently to investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice.
In a show of unity, various student organizations and community groups, both on and off campus, have come together to provide support and resources for the Jewish students affected by the threats. Counseling services, security escorts, and educational programs on combating hate speech have been made available to help ease the fears of the Jewish community and promote a sense of safety.
This incident is not an isolated one, as hate speech and threats targeting Jewish students have been on the rise in educational institutions across the country. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fostering a climate of tolerance and respect in order to prevent such acts of hatred.
The Cornell administration, along with the student body, is determined to address this issue head-on. They are committed to not only protecting the safety and well-being of the Jewish students but also to creating an environment where all students feel safe, valued, and respected.
As the investigation continues and efforts are made to improve security measures, it is vital that every member of the Cornell community remains vigilant and stands in solidarity against hate. This incident should serve as a wake-up call for all educational institutions to take proactive steps in ensuring the safety and security of their students, regardless of their background or identity.
In the face of these threats, the Jewish students at Cornell University refuse to be silenced or intimidated. They will continue to assert their presence on campus, celebrate their heritage, and contribute positively to the university community. By doing so, they send a powerful message: hate will not win, and unity will prevail.
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