A Jewish Columbia University professor has been blocked from entering the main campus, citing a lack of safety for Jews in the wake of anti-Israel protests. Assistant business professor Shai Davidai, who was born in Israel, has been critical of the school’s response to the widespread protests and planned a counter demonstration. However, he was denied access to the campus when his keycard was deactivated. “I have, not just a civil right, a civil right as a Jewish person to be on campus,” Davidai told demonstrators. “I have a right as a professor employed by the university to be on campus. They deactivated my card.”
Davidai’s denial of access comes amid ongoing anti-Israel protests on campus, which have included pro-Hamas slogans and threats of violence. The university has been criticized for its handling of the situation, with some students and faculty expressing concern for their safety.
“Our campus is not safe for Jews right now,” Eden Yadegar, a Columbia student, told Fox News. “There have been no consequences for anti-Israel protesters repeatedly violating university policies.”
The university’s president, Dr. Nemat “Minouche” Shafik, said in a statement that she was “deeply saddened” by the recent events. “Our bonds as a community have been severely tested in ways that will take a great deal of time and effort to reaffirm,” she said. “To deescalate the rancor and give us all a chance to consider next steps, I am announcing that all classes will be held virtually on Monday.”
The situation at Columbia University highlights the growing tension and division on college campuses over the issue of Israel and Palestine. Jewish students and faculty have reported feeling unsafe and harassed on campuses across the country, and universities have been criticized for not doing enough to protect them.
