NYC Mayor Eric Adams Condemns Anti-Semitism at Columbia University Protests, Urges Action: US: Business Times

New York Mayor Eric Adams has strongly condemned the anti-Semitism and hate speech witnessed during the ongoing protests at Columbia University, expressing his horror and disgust at the incidents in a statement released on Sunday. The protests, which began April 17 after Columbia University President Minouche Shafik’s testimony before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce on anti-Semitism on college campuses, have led to the arrests of more than 100 people, according to police.

In his statement, Mayor Adams cited specific examples of hate speech, such as “a young woman holding a sign with an arrow pointing to Jewish students stating ‘Al-Qasam’s Next Targets,’ or another where a woman literally shouts ‘We are there’. Hamas,’ or another where groups of students chant, ‘We don’t want Zionists here.'” He emphasized that he condemns this hate speech in the strongest terms and has instructed the NYPD to investigate all reported violations of the law.

The mayor acknowledged that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has made many people sad and angry, but emphasized that this heartbreak does not give anyone the right to harass, threaten or physically harm others. He also noted heightened tensions in New York City as the Jewish community prepares to celebrate the start of Passover on Monday.

“As mayor of the city with the largest Jewish community in the world outside of Israel, the pain these protests are causing Jews around the world is beyond me, especially as we begin Passover tomorrow night,” Adams said. “I also see and hear the pain of those protesting in support of the loss of innocent lives in Gaza.”

Mayor Adams clarified that Columbia University is a private institution on private property and that the NYPD cannot have a presence on campus unless requested by senior university officials. However, he stated that the NYPD has an increased officer presence around campus to protect students and all New Yorkers and is prepared to respond if Columbia requests their presence on campus again.

The mayor’s statement comes amid growing calls for the resignation of Columbia University President Minouche Shafik. New York Rep. Elise Stefanik accused the university of failing to enforce its own campus rules and protect Jewish students, saying, “President Shafik must resign immediately. And the Columbia Board must appoint a president who will protect and enforce school policies.”

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, who represents the Staten Island and Bay Ridge areas of New York City, also called for Shafik’s resignation and raised the possibility of withdrawing federal funding from universities that “allow blatant anti-Semitism.” In a post on allowing anti-Semitism and not adhering to it.” those who are responsible, accountable.”

Rep. Ritchie Torres, who represents much of the Bronx borough, emphasized the need for moral clarity against anti-Semitism, stating: “College administrators must start defending their Jewish constituents and students and stop pandering to the anti-Semites who seek their destruction.”

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