Latest News from Campus

Karen Diamond, an 82-year-old victim of last month’s firebombing attack in Boulder, Colorado of peaceful demonstrators advocating for the release of Israeli hostages, died from her wounds. Marc Soloway of Bonai Shalom congregation in Boulder remembered Diamond as “someone who has given so much of herself over the years to the Bonai community and beyond.” Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the suspect of the attack, will now face two counts of murder.

During their set at the Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts, British punk band Bob Vylan led the crowd in chanting “Death to the IDF.” The festival organizers condemned the hate speech and incitement of violence, and the BBC, which livestreamed the performance, later apologized for not canceling the broadcast. U.K. police have launched a criminal investigation, and the U.S. has revoked visas for Bob Vylan.

The University of Florida’s Levin College of Law is reviewing its policies and procedures after a student who had been suspended for past racist and antisemitic comments received a faculty award for a paper arguing that constitutional rights apply only to white citizens. The student, Preston Damsky, had previously called for the “abolition” of Jews. University officials say they are reviewing the award process and reaffirming their commitment to student safety and equity.

Over 50% of Jewish students at Columbia University reported facing religious discrimination and feeling personal danger for their support of Jews or Israel during the 2023-2024 academic year, according to a summer 2024 survey that was just released.Columbia Interim President Claire Shipman said that she found the results “disturbing”, but was confident that the situation on campus for Jewish students would be improved moving forward.

A 36-year-old Ohio man, Feras S. Hamdan, was arrested after allegedly attempting to run Jewish U.S. Representative Max Miller off the road while shouting antisemitic slurs and threats to Miller and his family. Hamdan turned himself in and was charged with aggravated menacing.

A kosher grocery store in Boston, The Butcherie, was vandalized when a brick painted with the words “Free Palestine” was thrown through its front window. Local authorities are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime, noting that the act targeted a visibly Jewish-owned business. Community members and leaders have since gathered in support of the store, condemning the incident as an attack on the broader Jewish community. The Butcherie posted a hopeful message on social media after the attack saying, “The Jewish people have endured far worse and have always stood tall, with dignity and unity. We will continue to serve our community proudly and without fear.”