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The Unfolding Crisis: Campus Antisemitism in New York and the Call for Action
More than five hundred days have elapsed since the horrific October 7th attacks perpetrated by Hamas, an event that etched itself into history as the most devastating assault on Jewish people since the Holocaust. This period has been marked by a disconcerting trend: while expressions of concern and condemnation have flowed from certain political figures, the tide of antisemitism has not receded; instead, it has swelled to alarming proportions.
In New York, a state boasting the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, Jewish students find themselves in an increasingly precarious situation. The sanctuary of the academic environment, a space meant to foster intellectual growth and open exchange, has been tainted by an atmosphere of hostility and, in some cases, outright danger. Jewish students are not merely facing instances of discomfort; they are enduring a climate where their safety and well-being are demonstrably threatened.
The statistics paint a stark and unsettling picture. New York has, regrettably, earned a place on the "Hall of Shame" when it comes to campus antisemitism. Prominent institutions, including Cornell, Columbia, The New School, and NYU, have been assigned failing grades for their responses to attacks targeting Jewish students. The City University of New York (CUNY) and the State University of New York (SUNY) systems have also been repeatedly marred by incidents of antisemitic harassment. These are not isolated occurrences; they represent a pattern of escalating hostility that demands immediate and decisive action.
The current state of affairs is beyond mere unacceptability; it is a profound disgrace, a stain on the principles of tolerance and inclusion that should underpin our educational institutions. The notion that students should fear for their safety or be subjected to harassment based on their religious or ethnic identity is a betrayal of the values we claim to uphold.
The cornerstone of a free society is the right to express oneself, to engage in open debate and even dissent. However, this right is not absolute. Free speech does not grant license to terrorize, intimidate, or incite violence against others. At Barnard College, for example, we have witnessed pro-Palestinian classroom disruptions, protesters storming the campus, resulting in injuries to a school employee, and a general escalation of tensions that have spiraled out of control. These actions are not simply the expression of opinions; they are calculated efforts to create an environment of fear and intimidation, effectively preventing Jewish students from safely pursuing their education.
Students have the right to protest and voice their concerns. However, they do not have the right to commandeer property, intimidate their classmates, or spread violent hate. When the line between peaceful protest and targeted persecution is crossed, the appropriate response is not a mere warning; it is expulsion. The message must be unequivocal: antisemitism and all forms of hate will not be tolerated within our academic institutions.
While states like Florida and Texas have taken decisive steps to address antisemitism on college campuses, New York’s leadership has been perceived as lagging behind. While Senator Chuck Schumer, Governor Kathy Hochul, and Mayor Eric Adams have issued statements condemning hatred in press releases, their actions have been seen as insufficient to address the severity of the crisis. Jewish students continue to be harassed, assaulted, and silenced, leading to a growing sense of abandonment and betrayal.
New York’s Democratic leaders may have taken the Jewish vote for granted, assuming unwavering support. However, they should be under no illusion that their inaction will be overlooked. They have allowed this crisis to fester under their watch, and they will be held accountable for their failure to protect Jewish students.
As a Jewish-American legislator and a member of the Jewish Legislators Caucus in the New York State Assembly, I refuse to stand idly by while our students are forced to live in fear. Fighting antisemitism is not a matter of political expediency; it is a matter of moral imperative.
That is why I have introduced the United Against Hate Act, a comprehensive plan to combat antisemitism through education, awareness, and decisive action. This legislation aims to ensure that New York’s educational institutions are safe and welcoming environments for all students, regardless of their background or beliefs.
This isn’t just about policy; it’s about shaping the next generation’s understanding of the true nature of antisemitism. We must ensure that they recognize that Jew-hatred is not an abstract concept confined to the history books; it is a real and present danger that continues to threaten our society. We need to educate them on the history and manifestations of antisemitism, equipping them with the tools to identify and challenge it wherever it arises.
While New York’s Democratic leaders may offer lip service to the fight against antisemitism, President Donald Trump has consistently demonstrated himself to be a steadfast defender of Jewish students in America. His administration took concrete action to combat campus antisemitism, while others offered only empty words. President Trump’s executive order on Combatting Antisemitism empowered the Department of Education to hold universities accountable under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. This order has enabled the federal government to launch investigations into five universities where antisemitic harassment has been rampant.
This is what real leadership looks like. And it’s the standard we should demand from all our elected officials.
History will judge us by the actions we take in this moment. Will we stand idly by while hatred against Jews spreads unchecked, or will we take bold and decisive action to stop it? Will we allow our campuses to become breeding grounds for antisemitism, or will we reaffirm our commitment to creating inclusive and welcoming environments for all students?
Jewish students should not have to hide their identity to feel safe at school. They shouldn’t have to wonder whether their professors, classmates, or administrators will defend their rights. And they certainly shouldn’t be left to fend for themselves while politicians offer nothing but hollow statements.
If schools and universities refuse to act, then we must hold them accountable. If they tolerate antisemitism, they should be defunded—plain and simple. Financial consequences are a powerful deterrent and will send a clear message that antisemitism will not be tolerated.
This is a test of moral clarity. The time for empty words and half-measures is over. The time for bold and decisive action is now. I know where I stand. The question is: where do New York’s leaders stand? Will they rise to the occasion and protect Jewish students, or will they continue to stand by while antisemitism festers on our campuses? The answer will determine the future of our educational institutions and the future of our society.
