New Jersey Democratic Representative Josh Gottheimer has expressed concern about sending his children to Columbia University amidst ongoing pro-Palestinian protests on campus. During an interview on Tuesday, Gottheimer stated that he would be “very concerned” about sending his children to the school after witnessing recent incidents of harassment and threats against Jewish students.
One protestor allegedly exclaimed, “never forget October 7, it’ll happen not one more time, not happen a thousand more times, but 10,000 more times.” Gottheimer’s concerns echo those of other Jewish representatives, including New York’s Dan Goldman, Florida’s Jared Moskowitz, and North Carolina’s Kathy Manning, who visited Columbia’s campus on Monday and called for more action to protect Jewish students.
The protests at Columbia are part of a broader escalation of tensions over the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, which began in October 2021 after a Palestinian militant group launched an attack on southern Israel. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people and the displacement of thousands more.
In response to the tensions on campus, Columbia University President Minouche Shafik announced that classes would be held virtually to de-escalate the situation and allow for further consideration of next steps.
Orthodox Rabbi Elie Buechler also sent a message to over 290 Jewish students at Columbia University urging them to go home “as soon as possible” due to concerns over “extreme antisemitism and anarchy.”
Columbia University has been urged by Jewish representatives and student groups to take further action to address the concerns of Jewish students and ensure their safety on campus.
New Jersey Democrat ‘Concerned’ About Sending Kids to Columbia Amid Pro-Palestinian Protests
