Staff Reports
Barnard College in New York City has become the epicenter of escalating tensions after anti-Israel protesters stormed Milbank Hall last week, assaulting a staff member and disrupting campus life. The protest, sparked by the recent expulsion of two students who disrupted a class on Israeli history, has left Jewish students feeling unsafe and raised questions about the administration’s ability to maintain order. The incident underscores a troubling trend of hostility toward Jewish students on college campuses nationwide.
The protest began as a sit-in but quickly escalated when masked demonstrators forcibly entered the building, chanting slogans like “Intifada revolution” and “Resistance is justified.” A 41-year-old staff member was reportedly shoved and hospitalized with injuries, while students and faculty were blocked from accessing classrooms. Protesters demanded the reinstatement of the expelled students and amnesty for others involved in pro-Palestinian activism. Despite multiple offers from Barnard leadership to mediate if the protesters removed their masks, the group refused, prolonging the standoff for hours.
For Jewish students like Rachel Kaufman, a sophomore at Barnard, the chaos has been deeply unsettling. Kaufman described the environment as “frustrating” and “unsafe,” noting that her classes have been repeatedly interrupted by protests. “We’re struggling,” she said, emphasizing that Jewish students feel targeted amidst rising anti-Semitism on campus. Kaufman also criticized the administration’s response as inadequate, calling for stronger measures to ensure student safety and academic freedom.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from Jewish organizations and campus leaders. Brian Cohen, executive director of Columbia University Hillel, condemned the assault and disruption as “a direct infringement on students’ right to an education without fear of harassment.” Meanwhile, freshman Shoshana Aufzien slammed Barnard’s response as “pathetic,” arguing that administrators should have acted decisively to prevent violence. The New York Police Department confirmed they are investigating the assault but have yet to make any arrests.
This unrest comes amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to combat anti-Semitism on college campuses. A recently signed executive order directs federal agencies to hold institutions accountable for failing to protect Jewish students. Additionally, a new task force led by the Department of Justice aims to address anti-Semitic harassment in schools. While these initiatives offer hope for change, many remain skeptical about their effectiveness in curbing deeply ingrained biases.
As protests continue to disrupt campus life at Barnard and other universities, the need for decisive action is clear. Jewish students deserve an environment where they can pursue their education without fear or intimidation. Barnard’s leadership must prioritize safety and accountability to restore trust among its community members. Anything less risks allowing these incidents to spiral further out of control, jeopardizing both academic integrity and student well-being.
