A Columbia Business School professor who accused the campus of inaction regarding anti-Semitism claimed he was under internal investigation by the university for defending Jewish and Israeli students and faculty.
“This is a clear act of retaliation and an attempt to silence me,” Shai Davidai wrote about X, releasing a longer statement.
Davidei, the assistant professor, said that since October 7, when Hamas “raped, tortured, and massacred more than 1,200 of my fellow citizens and kidnapped another 250 civilians,” Columbia University’s campus has “been unable to protect Jews like me. “It has become a hostile environment for Israelis and Israelis.” ”
The House Education and Labor Committee is investigating Columbia University and other universities over the rise in anti-Semitism on American campuses in the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. Citing a House investigation, Davidai said Columbia University is also under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education and faces two lawsuits brought by nearly 20 Jewish students for alleged civil rights violations. It pointed out.
Columbia University professor slams campus’ inaction on anti-Semitism, says elite school ‘ashamed’
Columbia University Professor Shai Davidai. (Courtesy of Shai Davidai)
Davidai went viral after being caught on video making a phone call to Columbia University. President Minouche Shafiq is a ‘coward’ For remaining silent against “pro-terrorist” groups in schools.
His statement said that for the past several months, Jewish students at Columbia University have been confined to their dorm rooms to avoid assaults, and that Jewish students have been spat at, attacked, bullied and subjected to slurs. It is said that there have been cases of
“Colombia justifies, excuses, and celebrates the genocide of my people, as if it were violence against my 4-year-old Israeli niece and my 93-year-old niece. “Does nothing to stop the pro-terrorist organization that cries for its eradication.” A -year-old Israeli grandmother would be justified,” he wrote.
“Speaking out has ruined my life,” he said, adding that he receives daily death threats, is targeted on social media, including by Columbia University students and faculty, and has been “verbally or I’ve been avoiding spending time on campus because I’m afraid of what people will say about me.” He was physically assaulted. ”
“And now I am being persecuted by a Columbia company that is retaliating against me based on unsubstantiated complaints. There is no easy way to put this, so I will just say it boldly: I am a Jew and an Israeli. “I spoke out against the university. And now the university is weaponizing an internal investigation to silence me. In doing so, Columbia University It reveals the depth: “Why can a Jewish professor speak out on behalf of a besieged Jewish student?”! ”
Pro-Palestinian protesters are seen outside the Columbia University campus on November 15, 2023 in New York City. (Spencer Pratt/Getty Images)
Colombian Jewish students face threats, attacks, some protesters say they are not receiving enough education
“Everyone, both Jewish and non-Jewish, who confided in me about this investigation said the same thing: It reeks of retaliation and it reeks of anti-Semitism,” he wrote. Davidai said he would not reveal specific details about the investigation because he intends to approach the investigation in good faith and fully cooperate with law enforcement authorities. “At the same time, I condemn Colombia’s malicious intent to retaliate against me, and even a cursory examination of my claims shows the absurdity of this investigation,” Davidai added.
A petition on Change.org titled “DEFEND DAVIDAI: Demands that the Colombian government end its persecution of Jewish professor Shai Davidai” has nearly 30,000 signatures online as of Thursday.
“Mr. Shai’s actions should be celebrated, not punished. Mr. Shai’s refusal to remain silent enabled students to speak out against anti-Semitism on every campus.” wrote the petition organizers. “By silencing Mr. Shai, Columbia University is effectively silencing Jewish students around the world. After all, a respected professor can speak out against anti-Semitism without retaliation. If we can’t do that, how can we expect our students to do it?”
Professor Shai Davidai spoke out about what she perceived to be anti-Semitism on Columbia University’s campus. (Fox News Digital)
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We demand that Columbia University immediately halt its internal investigation into Davidei, and we urge Columbia University’s leadership to take action against Jewish students, including increasing penalties and sanctions against organizations that harass and bully Jewish students. We urge them to take proactive steps to create a safer and more inclusive environment for faculty and staff.” , cooperates with law enforcement agencies to assist in prosecuting individuals who commit hate crimes against Jews, encourages Jewish students to report harassment without fear of reprisal, and promotes safety and security for Jewish students and institutions. We are taking measures to strengthen this.
Columbia University did not respond to a request for comment.
