An Orthodox rabbi associated with Columbia University sent out a message to over 290 Jewish students Sunday morning warning that they should go home “as soon as possible” amid a rise of “extreme antisemitism and anarchy.”
The message, which was sent out on WhatsApp by Rabbi Elie Buechler, comes a few days after pro-Palestinian protestors clashed with police officers after holding a “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” on Columbia’s south lawn. Several American colleges have been thrust into the spotlight amid Israel’s war with Hamas, including some university presidents being called to testify before Congress over how they are handling instances of discrimination and antisemitism sentiment.
Buechler, who is associated with Columbia’s Union Jewish Learning Initiative, wrote in his message that the protests “in and around campus is terrible and tragic,” adding that recent events “have made it clear that Columbia University’s Public Safety and…
