Columbia University Sparks Outrage Over Menu Item

This week, Columbia University faced significant backlash on social media after a campus menu listed “October 7th Blush Sauce,” coinciding with the third anniversary of the devastating Hamas terror attacks observed on Wednesday.

The controversy erupted when Simone Saidmehr, a correspondent for the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, posted an image of the menu on X, showing “October 7th” alongside “Blush Sauce.”

Many commenters interpreted this as a reference to the nearly 1,200 victims from the attacks on October 7, 2023. One user remarked, “There is no way this is unintentional.”

Another individual shared footage of anti-Israel protests occurring on the same campus, commenting, “Meanwhile on the same campus…”

However, some voices urged caution, suggesting, “Before this blows up, I can absolutely promise you this was unintentional. The Columbia dining staff work hard and rarely get recognized for it.” Vicki Dunn, Columbia Dining’s assistant vice president, later confirmed in a report that this was indeed an “unfortunate mistake.”

According to Dunn, the error was addressed promptly. She explained, “This was an unfortunate mistake and was not intended as a reference to the events of October 7. The blush sauce was scheduled for that day, and when that information was copied into the menu template, the date was inadvertently included. Our staff removed the signs immediately upon realizing the mistake, and we’re sorry for any confusion this caused.” Moving forward, she assured that a team member would review all menus before they are published.

Columbia University also released a statement on X in response to Saidmehr’s post, reiterating that it was a mistake, not an intentional reference to the tragic events. “The date was accidentally left in when the day’s meal information was copied,” it noted, adding an apology for the concern caused.

The situation is particularly sensitive, as Columbia has been a focal point for criticism due to protests and riots following the October 7 attacks three years ago. The university faced multiple federal civil rights investigations amid allegations of not safeguarding its Jewish students, resulting in a $221 million settlement by the summer of 2025, as reported. The allegations also included claims of antisemitic discrimination against Jewish faculty.

Despite this, anti-Israel activism has continued on campus. Reports surfaced that several demonstrators from the Columbia Intifada gathered at the school on Wednesday afternoon. Columbia University previously stated that the Columbia Intifada is not officially associated with the institution.