Columbia University cancels all in-person classes on Monday ahead of Passover start as anti-Israel protests continue on campus, raising tensions and safety concerns at the prestigious school did.
Embattled President Minouche Shafiq, who has vowed to crack down on anti-Semitism, told students in an email that was also shared on the Ivy League university’s website as the heated demonstrations entered their sixth day: We need a reset.”
“We are deeply saddened by what is happening on our campus. Our bonds as a community have been severely tested, and it will take a great deal of time and effort to reaffirm them.” Shafiq wrote.
“Students from various communities have communicated their safety concerns, and we have announced additional steps we will take to address their safety concerns.”
Those concerns expressed by many Jewish students were addressed Sunday by prominent rabbis from prestigious schools, telling students at Columbia University and Barnard College to go home and stay there until the conflict on campus is resolved. I urged him to do so.
Passover, a major Jewish holiday, begins Monday night.
Shafiq said tensions across campus are being “exploited and amplified by people who are not affiliated with Columbia University and have come to campus to pursue their own agendas.”
“I understand that many people are experiencing deep psychological distress, and I want the Colombian government to help alleviate this problem by taking action. We should have a serious conversation about how we can contribute to this,” Shafik said.
Mr Shafiq acknowledged that there would be many opinions on how universities could do this, but said: They cannot “try to thwart important milestones.”
Shafiq said classes will be held virtually on Monday to ease the situation and “reset” the situation on campus.
Shafik said that in the coming days, “a working group of deans, university administrators and faculty will work to resolve this crisis.”
“That includes continuing our conversations with student protesters to identify actions we can take as a community to end our term peacefully and return to respectful engagement,” she said.
Shafiq also encouraged students to report any future incidents of intimidation or harassment they may face on campus, saying, “Anti-Semitic language is used to hurt or scare people.” “As with any other statement that is unacceptable, appropriate action will be taken.”
“We are a caring, mature, thoughtful, and engaged community. Let us remember the shared values of respect for learning, mutual respect, and kindness that are the foundation of Columbia,” Shafik wrote. Ta.
“I hope everyone can take a deep breath, show compassion, and work together to rebuild the bonds that unite us.”
This campus and other campuses across the country have been hotbeds of anti-Semitic protests since Hamas terrorists carried out a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, and the Jewish state responded with counterattacks. Thousands of people died in the Gaza Strip.
Open displays of support for Hamas on American college campuses have upset some students, particularly Jewish students.
On Sunday, the prestigious school’s prominent rabbi urged students at Columbia University and Barnard College to stay home, and university officials told students they could take classes online.
The Post has reached out to Columbia for comment.
