Columbia University faced controversy and concern among Jewish students after a student-led discussion aimed at justifying Hamas’ October 7 massacre took place on campus. Despite the university’s previous statement that the event had been shut down, videos circulated on social media showing pro-Palestinian students gathered in the lobby of Columbia’s School of Social Work, with a speaker praising the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan. Jewish students expressed worry and frustration over the event, with one Israeli student confronting the participants and highlighting the dehumanization of her people. The incident has sparked a debate over free speech, violence, and the protection of students’ safety on campus.
The event, organized by Columbia Social Workers 4 Palestine, was advertised as a discussion on the “Significance of the October 7th Palestinian Counteroffensive.” According to Columbia University, the event proceeded without permission after being canceled due to the organizers’ failure to follow protocol. The university clarified that access to the intended classroom was prevented, but a group of students moved the event to the public lobby. School and university administrators warned the students of possible disciplinary action, and they eventually dispersed. The university is now reviewing the matter following its procedures.
In response to the event, Jewish students expressed concerns for their safety and were offered the option to take classes remotely. Additionally, an event to commemorate the start of Hanukkah was postponed due to the controversy. The incident at Columbia University comes at a time when the rise of antisemitism on American college campuses is being scrutinized. Just the day before, the presidents of Harvard, MIT, and UPenn testified before the House Education and Workforce Committee on the issue of antisemitism, particularly in relation to Hamas’ October 7 attack.
Lawmakers at the hearing raised concerns about the “race-based ideology of the radical left” and called for the university presidents to address the abandonment and betrayal felt by liberal Jewish Americans who had previously supported movements like Black Lives Matter. The committee chair, Rep. Virginia Foxx, referenced Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s recent remarks on the matter. The hearing concluded with a fiery exchange between House GOP Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik and the university presidents, as Stefanik questioned whether calling for the genocide of Jews or “intifada” violated university codes of conduct.
The incident at Columbia University highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding free speech, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the protection of students’ well-being on college campuses. It also adds to the broader conversation on the rise of antisemitism and the ideological divisions within American society. As the university reviews the incident, it remains to be seen how it will address the concerns raised by Jewish students and ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all members of its community.
