Steinhardt Family Reacts to Swastika Display at NYU
A family whose name is prominently displayed on a building at New York University expressed their shock and horror on Friday after a swastika flag was raised near a Star of David on campus.
The Steinhardt family voiced their concerns following the incident that took place on Wednesday. They emphasized their desire for justice and expressed faith in the NYPD to track down those responsible.
In a statement to the media, the family declared, “Our family is horrified by what is happening and we hope that the courageous and capable NYPD will apprehend these criminals.”
They also urged, “The best way to fight hatred is for NYU and all Jews to redouble their Jewish pride.”
This shocking display occurred on the flagpole of the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development during the elite university’s annual Grad Alley block party, triggering outrage among the Jewish community and city officials.
“It was very shocking,” noted Adina Fridman, dean of New York University Hillel College, who is also a rising senior. She shared feelings of resentment and frustration regarding the incident and stated, “This hateful act aims to instill fear and needs to be taken seriously.”
As of now, there have been no arrests, and the investigation is ongoing, according to brief statements from the university and the NYPD.
Authorities revealed that the Hate Crimes Task Force is also involved in this case.
The Steinhardt School was named after Michael Steinhardt, a Wall Street billionaire, and his wife, who donated $10 million to NYU in 2001. Their philanthropic efforts have consistently supported various Jewish causes, with Michael Steinhardt being the founder of the “Birthright Israel” program designed to connect Jewish youth to their heritage through a complimentary trip to Israel.
Interestingly, last October, the Steinhardt Jewish Life Foundation announced a plan to cease its nonprofit operations by 2028 while fulfilling prior commitments.
Fridman expressed concern that this flag-raising is yet another sign of what she describes as “normalized anti-Semitism,” adding, “This goes beyond political expression and comes down to hatred.”
