Welcome to the second week of the Campus Crisis Update.
Commencement season officially started this weekend with graduation ceremonies at the University of Michigan, Indiana University, and others, and we will be following those closely.
Also, today is Yom HaShoah, the day of remembrance for the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust. There is a lot we can say, but we will keep it to something ADL believes deeply: Never Again is Now.
Top Stories
UCLA
Last week, as UCLA was rocked by anti-Israel protests, the UCLA Divest student group made it clear what they are about. The group captioned their Instagram story with "ESCALATE FOR GAZA," followed by red triangles to show support for Hamas and paraglider emojis, referencing the horrific October 7 attacks against Israeli civilians. In-person classes to resume today.
DEEPER: Read ADL Center on Extremism’s explainer on the red triangle.
Rutgers
In a deeply disappointing move, Rutgers University in New Jersey has decided to yield to the demands of the protestors, including by scheduling a meeting to discuss divestment from corporations and businesses that work with Israel – even though the President has previously opposed it and it is illegal under New Jersey state law. Giving in to these demands from the protestors only rewards bad behavior and encourages further rules violations and disruptions, while normalizing and excusing antisemitism on campus.
TAKE ACTION: Tell Rutgers to do something about antisemitism on campus.
Other campuses capitulating: University of California, Riverside and Vassar College.
UC Santa Cruz
The University of California, Santa Cruz chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) listed its demands, and it’s very telling that three of the four organizations they demand UCSC cut ties with are Jewish organizations – including Hillel. As journalist Yashar Ali put it: “if you're demanding that Hillel be fully removed from UC Santa Cruz, you're an antisemite.”
DEEPER: Read ADL’s backgrounder on SJP.
Columbia
In clearing the Columbia University building occupied by anti-Israel protestors, NYPD found gas masks, helmets, goggles, hammers, knives, ropes, and a book on terrorism. In response, NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry tweeted: “These are not the tools of students protesting, these are the tools of agitators, of people who were working on something nefarious.”
Yesterday, “Wanted” posters with the face of David Greenwald, the co-chair of Columbia’s Board of Trustees were plastered across campus.
BREAKING: Columbia has cancelled its university-wide commencement ceremony.
Michigan
At University of Michigan’s commencement, anti-Israel protesters interrupted the ceremony with signs saying “UM funds genocide” and waving Palestinian flags. They were not removed from the event, and instead were pushed to the rear where they could still be heard. This runs counter to the very policies UM laid out for commencement. There is also no word yet if those disrupting the event will be held accountable.
TAKE ACTION: Tell UM to hold protesters accountable.
NYU
On Friday, anti-Israel protestors at New York University chanted: "Zionism will fall!" "Israel will fall!" and held a large banner featuring the logo of US-designated terror organization PFLP and an image of its Secretary General Ahmad Sa'adat. These protestors clearly are not interested in peace.
Vermont
Giving in to anti-Israel protestors on campus, the University of Vermont disinvited U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield from giving the Commencement address. UVM’s SJP chapter has called Thomas-Greenfield a “war criminal” for vetoing anti-Israel UN resolutions in the Security Council.
Campus Champions
MIT
ADL’s Interim New England Regional Director Ron Fish visited the anti-Israel encampment at MIT last week, and saw a defiant spirit on the Cambridge campus -- from a pro-Israel rally to clever signs to counter the encampment’s propaganda. One of our favorites: “7 million Jews live between the ‘river and the sea’ and they are NOT going anywhere. Deal with it.”
UMBC
Anti-Israel activists are organizing to protest the choice of retiring Maryland US Senator Ben Cardin as the keynote speaker at the University of Maryland-Baltimore's School of Social Work graduation. In response, the school's Jewish Affinity Group began a counter-petition in support of Cardin, extolling the Senator’s long distinguished record of public service and noting that the only problem this group has with Senator Cardin is that he supports Israel and is Jewish.
Wisconsin-Madison
Comedian Michael Rappaport’s show in Madison, Wisconsin was canceled due to safety threats from anti-Israel protesters. Not to be deterred from performing for his fans in Madison, he held a Zoom event with UW Madison Hillel -- giving them a few laughs during tough times. Thanks, Michael!
WATCH: On a more serious note, ADL’s Midwest Director David Goldenberg was on campus in Madison on Friday. His report is disturbing and chilling.
Florida
University of Florida President Ben Sasse has been a leader in defending free expression and fighting antisemitism. “Universities need to be strong defenders of the entire community, including students in the library on the eve of an exam, and stewards of our fundamental educational mission,” he wrote in an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal.
UChicago
Even in these trying times, there are amazing signs of Jewish life on campus thriving. On Friday, Chabad celebrated a groundbreaking on a new center at the University of Chicago. Mazel tov!
Am Yisrael Chai
Attention Antisemites
Turn your sound on and watch as a recording on loop at the University of Southern California announces: “Attention antisemites, we’re not leaving.”
Wiesel Wisdom
Read Elisha Wiesel, son of Holocaust survivor and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Elie Wiesel, on what is asked of universities at this moment: “Universities are obliged to allow free speech. They are also obliged to make sure that every one of their students can attend their classes free of harassment and verbal assault. But above all, they are obliged to teach.”
Love Not Hate
A heartwarming video reminder that we are defined not by who hates us, but who and how we love.
Never Lose Hope
Beautiful archival footage shared by Fania Oz-Salzberger, Professor Emerita of History at the University of Haifa School of Law, of survivors from the Bergen Belsen concentration camp singing “Hatikvah” just days after their liberation.
Info and Action
Alumni
Organize a sign-on letter, answer a fundraising request, or write a letter to a university president.
Parents
Write a letter about commencement, organize a dial day, or get help selecting a college for your student.
Campus Antisemitism Report Card
See the grade a college earned in this first-ever report card.
Campus Antisemitism Legal Line (CALL)
Are you a student or know one who needs legal help? Contact CALL, run by ADL, Hillel, the Brandeis Center, and Gibson Dunn. Hundreds of incidents have been reported. You are not alone!
Do you have something to share with us? We are building this as we go – so please email us at campus@adl.org with any suggestions, questions, photos, and videos.