Jewish students at Columbia report widespread discrimination after Hamas attacks

In the aftermath of the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas, Jewish students at Columbia University faced heightened discrimination and feelings of exclusion on campus. A recent survey indicated that nearly two-thirds of Jewish students did not feel accepted for their religious identity during the academic year that included these tragic events. Notably, while 50% of all students expressed a sense of belonging at the university, only 34% of Jewish students felt the same way, highlighting a stark disparity in student experiences. The survey was part of an ongoing investigation by the Columbia University Task Force on Antisemitism, which has been scrutinizing the rise of antisemitic incidents following pro-Palestinian protests that erupted during this period. The report also revealed that more than half, specifically 53%, of Jewish students reported facing discrimination related to their religious identity, and many felt personal danger for their support of Israel. This troubling climate led a significant proportion of Jewish students—66%—to state that the anti-Israel encampments positioned at Columbia greatly impacted their daily lives. In contrast, 70% of Jewish students opposed the encampments, which were viewed as anti-Israel demonstrations, a sign of deep division within the campus community. Columbia's administration, under the leadership of interim president Claire Shipman, acknowledged the report's findings as disturbing yet necessary for addressing the situation. She expressed confidence in working towards improvements in campus climate, particularly concerning the acceptance and safety of students from diverse religious backgrounds. The university has been under pressure to confront antisemitism and has faced demands from the Trump administration related to federal funding, following reports of rising antisemitic incidents at Columbia. Additionally, the overall atmosphere at Columbia during this period has shown that conversations surrounding political issues, particularly those involving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, strained relationships among students. Jewish students reported feeling pressure to conform to prevailing political opinions on campus, which contributed further to their sense of isolation and discomfort. As the university grapples with the fallout from these events, the situation remains a critical point of discussion for academic institutions nationwide, particularly regarding how they handle issues of race, identity, and political activism on campus.