What’s happening:
Jewish students at the University of Maryland are grappling with multiple instances of antisemitism on campus, including chants for an “intifada revolution,” graffiti with messages like “Holocaust 2.0” and “F–k Israel,” and the appearance of a Taliban flag. These incidents have prompted an investigation by the University.
Why it matters:
The University of Maryland hosts a large Jewish student population, many of whom have personal or familial connections to victims of past terrorist attacks. The recent antisemitic acts evoke traumatic memories and raise concerns about safety and the university’s response to hate speech and threats of violence.
The students’ perspective:
Students Shayna Leibowitz, Emma Steinhause, and Benjamin Blain express distress and fear over the campus environment. Blain, who lost a family member in the Second Intifada, finds the chants particularly traumatic. Steinhause voices concerns about the university’s lack of a strong response to calls for violence. Leibowitz, while proud of her Jewish identity, fears it makes her a target.
The university’s response:
The University of Maryland has condemned the antisemitic sentiments and stated that an investigation is underway, with an increased police presence and high-visibility patrols on campus. However, specific actions to address the incidents and protect the affected students remain unclear.
Background on the intifadas:
The intifadas were periods of intense Palestinian terrorism against Israelis. The Second Intifada, in particular, saw suicide bombers using bombs laced with shrapnel and rat poison to maximize casualties.
University statement:
The University of Maryland has publicly denounced the antisemitic actions and reiterated that such behavior has no place on campus. They assure that responsible parties will be held accountable and emphasize the safety of the campus community as a top priority.
The bigger picture:
Antisemitism on college campuses is not an isolated issue but a recurring pattern that echoes the dark pasts of many elite American universities. The incidents at the University of Maryland serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against hate and intolerance in educational institutions.
This story was first published on foxnews.