RSS
Columbia University Under Fire for Allowing Professor Who Praised Oct. 7 Hamas Attack to Teach Zionism Course
Pro-Hamas demonstrators at Columbia University in New York City, US, April 29, 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs
Columbia University is facing an uproar after it was revealed that Professor Joseph Massad, who described the Hamas-led massacre of Israelis last Oct. 7 as “astounding,” “awesome,” and “incredible,” is slated to teach a spring semester course on Zionism, prompting calls for his dismissal from Israeli colleague Shai Davidai, who condemned Massad’s continued employment as evidence of the university’s “moral and intellectual bankruptcy.”
The news also prompted adjunct professor Lawrence Rosenblatt to announce his resignation, echoing Davidai’s criticism by declaring that Columbia has lost not only its “moral compass but its intellectual one.”
The undergraduate class, titled History of the Jewish Enlightenment in 19th Century Europe and the Development of Zionism, will also examine the peace process between Israel, Arab states, and the Palestinian national movement, alongside a “historical overview of the Zionist-Palestinian conflict,” according to a description of the course on Columbia’s website.
Massad drew outrage shortly after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack when he published an article on the Palestinian propaganda outlet The Electronic Intifada. He described the invasion, which included the killing of 1,200 people and the taking of 253 hostages, as a “major achievement of the resistance in the temporary takeover of these settler-colonies” that dealt a “death blow” to Israeli confidence in its military.
Massad also expressed his wish that the evacuation of some 300,000 Israelis from their homes in Israel’s north and south as a result of the onslaught would turn into a “permanent exodus.”
“They may have finally realized that living on land stolen from another people will never make them safe,” he wrote.
Davidai, an assistant professor of psychology at Columbia, expressed outrage that someone who openly expressed “jubilation and awe” over the Hamas-led atrocities would be allowed to teach a class on Zionism.
“The fact that someone like Joseph Massad, who openly celebrates the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, who has talked about Jewish supremacy, and who has shown up to protest [in] anti-Jewish and anti-Israel and anti-American protests on campus, would teach a class about Zionism tells you everything that you need to know about not just the moral bankruptcy of Columbia University, but also the intellectual bankruptcy,” Davidai told The Algemeiner.
“I would never want to take a class about racism from someone who is racist, with someone who is sexist about sexism, with someone who is homophobic or transphobic about the LGBTQ movement, and I would definitely not want to take a class about Zionism from an avowed anti-Zionist,” Davidai went on. “I am not looking to be indoctrinated. I always want to be educated.”
The uproar reached beyond the university’s gates. US Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) took to the social media platform X, where he echoed Davidai’s thoughts, likening Massad’s teaching assignment to “David Duke teaching a course on anti-racism.” Torres also questioned why US taxpayers subsidize “ideological indoctrination that glorifies mass murder.”
Massad’s controversial academic work has also resurfaced as part of the debate. In a 2003 paper, he described Zionism as a “colonial movement” built on a “religion-racial epistemology” with a “commitment to building a demographically exclusive Jewish state modeled after Christian Europe.”
He has also claimed that Zionism exploits “Jewish persecution, including the [H]olocaust, to justify its crimes.”
Davidai argued that Massad’s views disqualify him from teaching at all.
“The fact that he openly celebrated the Oct. 7 massacre, saying that the sites of kidnapping, murdering, torturing, mutilation, of babies, of Holocaust survivors, of entire families brought to him jubilation and awe, should immediately disqualify him from teaching in any institution in the Western world,” he said.
“We shouldn’t be talking about what he teaches. We should be talking about why someone so vile, an antisemite like that, an anti-American like that, is still on Columbia’s payroll,” Davidai added.
In his resignation letter, international and public affairs adjunct professor Rosenblatt criticized the administration for allowing Massad, who has “advocated for the destruction of the State of Israel and celebrated the Oct. 7 attacks,” to teach a course on Zionism.
“Having Massad teach a course on Zionism is akin to having a White nationalist teach about the US Civil Rights movement, a climate denier teach about the impact of global warming, or a misogynist teach about feminism,” Rosenblatt wrote.
While he acknowledged Massad’s right to express his beliefs, Rosenblatt emphasized that Columbia has a responsibility to ensure its courses are taught objectively and fairly. He suggested that, at best, such a course could be co-taught by diverse Israeli and Palestinian perspectives, but “not by someone who advocates for the eradication of a group of people.”
Rosenblatt concluded his resignation by saying that the university, by officially approving Massad’s course, had harmed its own academic integrity. “The institution of Columbia, in officially sanctioning this class and this professor, has harmed the academy it once was. As it is gone, I cannot remain,” Rosenblatt wrote, adding that he would consider returning if the university corrected what he called “this travesty.”
In response to the mounting criticism, a Columbia spokesperson issued a statement acknowledging the pain caused by Massad’s comments following the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack. “Professor Massad’s statements following the terrorist attack on Oct. 7 created pain for many in our community and contributed to the deep controversy on our campus. We have consistently condemned any celebration or promotion of violence or terror,” the statement read.
It went on, however, to reaffirm the university’s commitment to the “principles of free expression and the open exchange of viewpoints and perspectives through opportunities for constructive dialogue.”
The statement noted that the course is an elective, and not a required course, and is one of three on Zionism and the history of Israel.
The post Columbia University Under Fire for Allowing Professor Who Praised Oct. 7 Hamas Attack to Teach Zionism Course first appeared on Algemeiner.com.
RSS
Belgian Prime Minister Shows Solidarity With Jewish Community, Calls for Caution on Palestinian State Recognition
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever attends a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (not pictured), at the Chancellery, in Berlin, Germany, Aug. 26, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Annegret Hilse
Amid rising antisemitism across Europe and increasing hostility toward Israel from several European governments, Prime Minister Bart De Wever expressed Belgium’s sympathy and respect for the Jewish community this week, honoring the millions of victims of the Holocaust.
During his trip to Berlin on Tuesday, De Wever visited the Holocaust Memorial and left a moving message in its guestbook.
“On behalf of the Belgian government and all people and communities living together in peace in Belgium, I express my deepest sympathy and my respect,” the Belgian leader wrote in a note in German.
“We will remember all the victims. I stand here humbly at this place of remembrance. The Jewish community will always have a home in Europe,” he continued.
Rabbi Menachem Margolin, chairman of the European Jewish Association (EJA), commended De Wever’s remarks and his support for the Jewish community, highlighting his leadership as a model.
“We sincerely thank Prime Minister De Wever for his moving message in Berlin. At a time when antisemitism is once again spreading across Europe, his clear and unwavering statement that the Jewish community will always have a home here is deeply important,” Margolin said in a statement.
“Such leadership not only honors the memory of the six million victims of the Holocaust but also strengthens the sense of security and belonging for Jews in Belgium and across the continent,” he continued.
“We also commend the Prime Minister’s principled leadership on Israel, where he consistently calls for security guarantees and a realistic path to peace. His voice carries moral weight in Europe, and we deeply appreciate it.”
During a visit to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin, Belgian Prime Minister @Bart_DeWever left an important message in the guestbook. Written in German, his note expressed Belgium’s sympathy and respect for the Jewish community and commemorated the millions… pic.twitter.com/ZcuEfKCavi
— EJA – EIPA (@EJAssociation) August 26, 2025
During his visit to Berlin, De Wever met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss the recent push by several European countries to recognize a Palestinian state at next month’s UN General Assembly.
At a joint press conference, De Wever stressed that recognizing a Palestine state is only meaningful under strict conditions, warning that doing so without such guarantees would be “pointless and even counterproductive.”
“Hamas must disappear completely, there must be a credible Palestinian Authority, an agreement must be reached on borders, and Israel must receive security guarantees. Without that, recognition makes no sense,” De Wever said.
In Belgium, De Wever’s more cautious approach to Palestinian statehood and support for Israel have fueled clashes within the government, with Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot threatening to block government initiatives if the coalition continues to hinder a firmer stance on Israel and the recognition of a Palestinian state.
“If there is no stronger tone within the government regarding the human rights violations committed by the Israeli government, or if no measures are taken in favor of recognizing Palestine, a major crisis is looming,” Prévot said during an interview with De Standaard.
RSS
Amid War, Olim-Owned Businesses in Jerusalem Thrive, Showcasing Resilience, Community Spirit
Olim gather at JFK Airport, ready to board a charter flight to Israel and begin their new lives in the Jewish state. Photo: The Algemeiner
JERUSALEM — Despite the strains of war and the obstacles of starting over in a new country, businesses in Jerusalem owned by Jewish immigrants are thriving — a testament to resilience, Zionist commitment, and the power of community.
New immigrants, or olim, who make aliyah to Israel face steep challenges even in times of peace, navigating strict regulations, endless permits, and financial hurdles, though the Israeli government offers some support and incentives to promote new businesses.
Aliyah refers to the process of Jews immigrating to Israel, and olim refers to those who make this journey.
In recent years, the road has become even more difficult for entrepreneurs, first with the economic disruption of COVID-19 and now amid the uncertainty of the war in Gaza.
For many olim, launching a business in Israel is about more than entrepreneurship — it’s a way to start a new life, serve their country, build a community, and make a meaningful impact.
Last week, 225 new olim arrived in Tel Aviv on the first charter aliyah flight since the Hamas-led invasion of and massacre across southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
Nefesh B’Nefesh (NBN) — a nonprofit that promotes and facilitates aliyah from the US and Canada — brought its 65th charter flight from New York, which The Algemeiner joined.
Founded in 2002, NBN helps olim become fully integrated members of Israeli society, simplifying the immigration process and providing essential resources and guidance.
In partnership with Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth, and the Jewish National Fund, NBN has helped nearly 100,000 olim build thriving new lives in Israel.
Eager to start their next chapter in Israel, these immigrants bring fresh ideas, culinary creativity, and cultural richness, strengthening the country’s social fabric every day.
Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Diana Shapira brought her passion for baking and warm hospitality to Israel, turning her aliyah dream into a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
She and her husband created Infused JLM, located near Jerusalem’s Mahaneh Yehuda Market, blending American and Israeli culture and creating a space that brings people together.
“We want people to see that an oleh’s dream can happen,” Shapira told The Algemeiner. “Even without family and facing many challenges, starting a business in Israel is possible — especially when you have the support of the community.”
“Before we made aliyah, so many people told us it was a bad financial decision. But you have to push past the doubt and keep striving,” she continued.
Another olim-owned business located in Jerusalem, Power CoffeeWorks, has become a favorite destination for coffee enthusiasts across the city.
Owned by Stephanie and Brandon, who made aliyah from Cape Town, South Africa, in 2016 with their four children at the time (now seven), the couple has turned their venture into a hub for coffee lovers and a gathering place for the community.
“We made aliyah because we believed Israel was the best place to raise our children,” Stephanie told The Algemeiner. “Despite all the challenges along the way, it has been an incredible journey.”
Crave, another oleh-owned restaurant in Mahaneh Yehuda, has gained increasing attention with its strictly kosher gourmet street food, blending American, Mexican, and Asian flavors in a way that hasn’t been seen before.
American-born Yoni Van Leeuwen, who made aliyah more than 20 years ago with his wife and eight children, views food not just as a business, but as a way to bring cultures and communities together.
Following the Oct. 7 atrocities, the war in Gaza dealt a harsh blow to Israeli businesses, forcing many to cut hours, adapt operations, and manage shortages.
Yet these olim-owned establishments have shown resilience, proving that passion, creativity, and commitment to the Zionist dream can overcome even the toughest challenges.
Whether by serving comfort food, offering a safe space for neighbors, or organizing fundraisers for soldiers in Gaza and Lebanon, these business owners described a spirit of perseverance deeply rooted in Jewish history.
RSS
Police in England Investigate Air Rifle Attack Against Jewish Teenager, Swastika Spray Painted at Rabbi’s Home
Friday night saw a string of swastika vandalism resulting in four reports, including from Rabbi Bentzion Alperowitz, a Chabad leader who discovered the Nazi symbol spray painted in black on his home’s white wall as he left for synagogue the next morning with his two young daughters. Photo: Screenshot
Multiple antisemitic incidents reported this past weekend targeted the Jewish community of Bournemouth in the southern region on the coast of the United Kingdom.
On Saturday afternoon, a driver stopped to harass and yell obscenities at two pedestrians before shooting one, a Jewish teenage boy, in the forehead with an air rifle and fleeing. The victim suffered swelling but has otherwise recovered.
“Detectives are leading the investigation to locate the occupants of the vehicle and to establish the full circumstances of the incident,” a spokesman for Dorset Police said. “The incident is being treated as a hate crime. Officers are engaging with the local community and carrying out patrols in the area. We would encourage anyone with information or concerns to please speak with an officer.”
Rabbi Alan Lewis, who leads the Bournemouth Hebrew Congregation, said that “the young man who was shot is a religious Jew who was wearing a skull cap. It was very obvious he was Jewish. Then several people living on Manor Road woke up to find that swastikas had been painted on their homes. The homes had a mezuzah outside, so it was obvious that Jewish people lived there.”
Friday night saw a string of swastika vandalism resulting in four reports, including from Rabbi Bentzion Alperowitz, a Chabad leader who discovered the Nazi symbol spray painted in black on his home’s white wall as he left for synagogue the next morning with his two young daughters.
“We will continue to live as proud Jews here in Bournemouth … I want to encourage everyone to do exactly the same,” Alperowitz said. “This is not the Bournemouth I know. Bournemouth is a kind, beautiful place and I feel this is still the truth for the vast majority of people here.”
Other members of the Jewish community came to assist the rabbi with removing the graffiti.
“[The] good news is that by the time you’re watching this video our wall will have been cleaned, thanks to some amazing people from the community, who came around to help clean it,” Alperowitz said.
Author Dov Forman wrote that “on Saturday morning, my friend Rabbi Benzion Alperowitz of Bournemouth Chabad walked outside to find a swastika on his home. Antisemitism is alive on our streets, yet it is too often excused and ignored. But it will not break us. We will continue to live proudly as Jews.”
Law enforcement has reportedly stepped up patrols in the town’s Jewish neighborhoods which include an estimated 2,000 people.
On Monday, the Community Security Trust (CST), an organization focused on monitoring antisemitic threats in the UK, released a statement saying that it was “appalled by a series of anti-Jewish hate crimes in Bournemouth over the weekend. These are abhorrent acts of racism that are deeply distressing for the Jewish community and should alarm everybody. We are supporting the local Jewish community and working with Dorset Police to assist their investigation. We urge anyone with information about these incidents to contact the police and CST.”
CST released a report of antisemitic incidents in the UK during 2024, finding 3,528 — the second highest ever — showing an 18-percent decrease from the all-time high of 4,296 in 2023.
Earlier this month, CST released a separate report noting the group recorded 1,521 antisemitic incidents in the UK from January to June of this year. It marks the second-highest total of incidents ever recorded by CST in the first six months of any year, following the first half of 2024 in which 2,019 antisemitic incidents were recorded in the aftermath of the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack on Israel.
“These hateful attacks on people and property in Bournemouth are extremely concerning. We have been informed that the police are investigating and hope that the perpetrators will be arrested and face the full force of the law,” Andrew Gilbert, vice president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said in a statement.
Maurice Michaels, who served as rabbi at Bournemouth Reform Synagogue, said that the community felt “very pressurized and anxious.” He added, “We’re getting terrified calls from people across the UK asking, ‘Is this really happening in Bournemouth?’ I’d never go out wearing my usual skull cap, I don’t show outward signs of being Jewish. I know community members who have even removed their mezuzah from their front door.”
Michaels described the antisemitic crimes as “a measure of what’s going on across the country, demonstrations where people cover their faces. They don’t want to be recognized because they know what they’re doing is wrong. We do the best we can to secure our safety. But when people attack our homes, when they shoot pellets — it gets to a point where it’s no longer a manageable situation. We’re frightened.”