The U.S. Task Force to Combat Antisemitism canceled $400 million in federal grants and contracts with Columbia University, citing the institution’s lack of response to persistent harassment of Jewish students. Columbia responded in a statement, saying: “We take Columbia’s legal obligations seriously…and are committed to combatting antisemitism and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our students, faculty, and staff.”

The U.S. Task Force to Combat Antisemitism is reviewing $5 billion in grant funding to Columbia University due to high levels of antisemitism on campus. The task force, which includes representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Education, and the General Services Administration, is investigating Columbia’s response to antisemitic incidents. While the university has expressed a commitment to addressing these issues, the potential funding cuts highlight ongoing concerns about the safety and security of Jewish students.

Former U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism Deborah Lipstadt explains why she recently chose not to teach at Columbia University, citing its lack of response to antisemitism following October 7. In this op-ed, she criticizes the university for failing to protect Jewish students and denounces the hostile campus environment that has developed in its aftermath.

An anti-Israel protest in Brooklyn’s Orthodox Jewish Boro Park neighborhood escalated as protestors chanted antisemitic rhetoric, including “Settlers, go back home” and “Zionists go to hell.” Protestors and counter-protestors clashed in physical confrontations, prompting police intervention and at least one arrest. New York political leaders condemned the protest, citing concerns over the antisemitic rhetoric.

San Diego Hillel is ramping up efforts to proactively combat antisemitism at the University of California San Diego. These efforts include sponsoring the school’s annual Israel Week celebration, launching a petition to add more Jewish studies courses, and supporting Jewish students in campus leadership roles. Hillel is also collaborating with community advocacy groups to address specific antisemitic incidents.

UCLA suspended its Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and Graduate Students for Justice in Palestine (GSJP) chapters in response to reports that members targeted and harassed University of California Regent Jonathan Sures. The harassment included surrounding a family member’s car, chanting threatening messages, and vandalizing the property. UCLA’s administration has initiated an investigation, with further disciplinary actions pending.