Students and faculty at Cornell University are rallying against rising antisemitism on the campus, organizing a “Jewish Unity” rally following recent incidents. The rally follows the guilty plea of engineering student Patrick Dai, who threatened to kill Jewish students in October.
Amanda Silberstein, a student organizer, expressed disappointment at encountering dehumanizing rhetoric and intimidation instead of support after the attacks, affirming the resilience of the Jewish community.
The Anti-Defamation League’s report card on campus antisemitism graded Cornell with a low “D” for combating Jewish bigotry. Professor Russel Rickford’s statement expressing exhilaration over Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel during a campus rally stirred controversy.
Yossi Israel, a student from Israel, recounted encountering antisemitic comments prior to the attacks but was alarmed by the escalation and false narratives propagated afterward, prompting the rally to combat antisemitism.
Cornell Students Unite Against Campus Antisemitism with ‘Jewish Unity’ Rally (Credits: The Cornell Daily Sun)
Organizers emphasize the rally’s importance in demonstrating solidarity and intolerance towards antisemitism, affirming the safety of Jewish students. Supported by Cornell’s administration, the rally aims to address concerns among Jewish students feeling abandoned by faculty and administration.
Faculty member William Jacobson, founder of Equal Protect.org, expressed his support for Jewish students and emphasized the significance of faculty solidarity during challenging times.
Meanwhile, New York Schools Chancellor David Banks announced plans to testify before the House of Representatives regarding efforts to address antisemitism in the city’s public school system.
He cited incidents of antisemitism, including targeting a Jewish teacher at Hillcrest HS in Queens for attending a pro-Israel rally. Banks acknowledged the emotional complexity surrounding the Hamas-Israel conflict but stressed ongoing efforts to combat hate and violence in schools.
The rally at Cornell University reflects a broader effort to confront and address rising antisemitism, both on campus and in the wider community. It underscores the importance of solidarity among students, faculty, and administration in ensuring the safety and well-being of Jewish students. Additionally, Chancellor Banks’ commitment to addressing antisemitism in New York City schools highlights the broader societal challenge of combating hate and violence.
