Jewish students face backlash during anti-Israel protests in NYC

Jewish students at Barnard College and Columbia University have expressed their distress over ongoing anti-Israel protests on campus, which intensified following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7. Students like Eliana Birman and Aryeh Krischer have shared their experiences of feeling unsafe and targeted due to their Jewish identity and Zionist beliefs. Birman reported being bullied upon her arrival at school after an article she wrote about her concerns was circulated by anti-Israel activists, leading to a hostile environment. Krischer, a PhD student, noted that while he has managed to avoid confrontations, the atmosphere remains tense, and he has considered transferring due to the protests. Both students feel that the university administration has not adequately addressed the rise in antisemitism, despite the existence of a task force that documented incidents of hate on campus. Birman articulated her disappointment in the lack of protective measures from the school, stating that she does not feel safe and can hear protests from her dorm room. The students' experiences highlight a broader issue of rising antisemitism in academic settings, where Jewish students feel increasingly marginalized. The situation raises concerns about the impact of such protests on the educational experience of Jewish students, who are left to navigate a hostile environment while pursuing their academic goals. The lack of institutional support further exacerbates their feelings of isolation and vulnerability.