At Columbia University, Assistant Professor Shai Davidai, an Israeli-born scholar and vocal supporter of Jewish rights, found himself inexplicably barred from the campus where he teaches. This comes amidst increasing anti-Israel sentiment and protests at the university, raising significant concerns about academic freedom and safety on campus.
The decision to deactivate Davidai’s ID under the pretext of safety concerns while simultaneously allowing a protest camp—where some displayed open support for Hamas and made Antisemitic remarks—to flourish unchallenged is deeply troubling. It highlights a stark double standard in how threats are perceived and managed by university administrators. This incident didn’t occur in a vacuum but rather in a climate where the rhetoric on campus has become increasingly hostile towards pro-Israel and Jewish members of the community.
Moreover, this episode is emblematic of a disturbing trend where institutions, under the banner of security and inclusivity, implement policies that effectively sideline and isolate individuals who hold views that are unpopular in certain circles. By doing so, they foster an environment where academic discourse is stifled, and certain perspectives are silenced or punished. It’s a perverse inversion of the values that universities are supposed to uphold, and it sends a chilling message not only to faculty and students at Columbia but to the broader academic community.
It’s deeply troubling to see an institution like Columbia University seemingly prioritize the protection and accommodation of pro-Hamas sentiments over the safety and inclusion of its Jewish community. This situation transcends mere administrative oversight; it appears to be a deliberate choice to support students and faculty who align with or support Hamas—a group recognized globally for its terrorist activities, including targeting civilians.
Let’s pray that America opens its eyes to the Antisemitism seeping into our institutions before it’s too late. We need to stand firm against this tide of bigotry so that, looking back, we can be proud of how we corrected our course rather than feel disgust and shame at our inaction.
