Columbia University is facing intense scrutiny following the distribution of an inflammatory newspaper, The Columbia Intifada, authored by members of the campus anti-Israel group, Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine. The publication, rife with incendiary rhetoric and anti-Semitic undertones, has drawn condemnation from students, lawmakers, and the broader community alike. Articles with titles like “Zionist Peace Means Palestinian Blood” and “The Myth of the Two-State Solution” have stirred outrage, with critics accusing the publication of glorifying violence and promoting divisiveness.
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) expressed his disgust, stating on social media, “If Columbia cannot protect Jewish students on their campus, they should lose federal funding and have their tax-exempt status revoked.” His comments have amplified calls for accountability amid growing concerns about the university’s ability to foster a safe and inclusive environment.
A Platform for Hate: Targeting Jewish Students
Distributed openly on campus, the anonymous authorship of The Columbia Intifada raises questions about accountability and intent. Jewish students at Columbia described feeling threatened and unsafe in their own academic environment.
Brooke Chasalow, a 20-year-old student, voiced her concerns: “When I see stuff like that, the title, ‘Myth of the Two-State Solution,’ these people don’t want peace.” For many students like Chasalow, the newspaper is emblematic of a broader hostility toward Jewish students and a culture of intolerance that has become increasingly visible on campus.
Meanwhile, some students, hiding behind anonymity, expressed support for the controversial paper, framing it as an expression of free speech. This justification has done little to alleviate fears among the Jewish community, who view the publication as an attempt to intimidate and alienate them.
University Response: Words Without Action?
Columbia University issued a statement condemning the use of its name on a publication that “glorifies violence and makes individuals in our community feel targeted.” However, critics argue that such statements are insufficient given the gravity of the situation. “Discrimination and promoting violence or terror is not acceptable,” the university said, promising an investigation. Yet, many are questioning whether Columbia’s leadership is doing enough to combat the rising tide of hostility.
Rep. Lawler went a step further, calling for federal intervention. “For those students here on a visa engaged in an ‘intifada’ against American students of the Jewish faith? Deport them,” he declared, emphasizing the need for tangible consequences for those perpetuating hate on U.S. soil.
Time for Accountability
As Columbia University faces mounting criticism, the question remains: Will the administration take decisive action to protect its Jewish students and uphold the principles of inclusivity and respect? The publication of The Columbia Intifada marks a troubling chapter in the ongoing struggle against antisemitism on college campuses. Without swift and meaningful consequences, critics warn that such actions will continue to embolden those who seek to spread hate under the guise of activism.
The eyes of the nation are on Columbia, waiting to see if it will rise to the challenge or falter in the face of growing division.