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Despite Pending Federal Agreement, Columbia University Still Tolerates Antisemitism

A pro-Palestinian protester holds a sign that reads, “Faculty for justice in Palestine,” during a protest urging Columbia University to cut ties with Israel, Nov. 15, 2023, in New York City. Photo: Sipa USA via Reuters Connect
Columbia University may soon earn a dubious distinction in civil rights history — it may become the first American college so contaminated by antisemitism that it must sign a contract promising to remedy the affliction.
After October 7, 2023, when the Hamas terrorist group launched its latest war on Israel, Columbia University became the epicenter of antisemitism in American higher education.
According to a 2024 Congressional report on college antisemitism, Columbia officials displayed “deliberate indifference” as pro-Palestinian students and faculty attacked Jewish students and faculty with physical assaults, vandalism, classroom disruptions, and harassment in breach of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
Columbia’s leadership acknowledged the civil rights breakdown by the end of 2023, and took steps to correct it. Unfortunately, events since then have proven that the remedial efforts fell short.
Last semester, the school logged four more outbursts of antisemitism, including an illegal and antisemitic “occupation” in the school’s Belmont Library. In March, the US Department of Education canceled $400 million of Federal grants to Columbia based on its failure to address the antisemitic abuses. On May 22, a Federal government civil rights agency notified Columbia that it remained in violation of the law. In June, the government reported the legal malfeasance to Columbia’s accreditation agency. Meanwhile, the Anti-Defamation League’s 2025 Campus Antisemitism Report Card rated Columbia “D” for “Deficient.”
Columbia is now negotiating a settlement agreement with the government in which the university must improve its civil rights record in exchange for the restoration of its Federal funding. Observers predict the school will compensate the victims of antisemitic discrimination and make data disclosures designed to ensure that its policies of hiring, admissions, and donations from foreign governments do not cause future discrimination.
But the reasons for Columbia’s continuing noncompliance are obvious.
To begin with, the institution’s Board of Trustees lacks respect for the civil rights of its Jewish students.
In March, when they appointed board member Claire Shipman to serve as Columbia’s acting president, they must have known she had downplayed the college’s antisemitism crisis as a public relations headache. Her emails to colleagues from 2023 to 2024 recommended the creation of an antisemitism task force as “one of very few workable responses” to take the “pressure” off the school and “inoculate” it from government scrutiny, which she called “capital [sic] hill nonsense.”
She believed the widespread student fear of antisemitic aggression was “not necessarily a rational feeling.” Regarding a pro-Israel Jewish board member, she remarked “I don’t think she should be on the board.” She thought that the board should include an “Arab” or someone else from the Middle East. She pushed to “unsuspend” certain campus protest groups. And she wanted a brighter academic spotlight for a hardline pro-Palestinian professor. By elevating Shipman to the role of acting president, the board irresponsibly put a PR-minded inmate in charge of the legally imperiled asylum.
Columbia’s foot-dragging on the civil rights issue is not limited to the trustees. Certain Columbia faculty members attended the school’s antisemitic rallies and propagandized in favor of Hamas. In early March, dozens of the professors lambasted Columbia’s then President Katrina Armstrong for buckling under the pressure of President Trump’s funding cuts to enforce the civil rights of Jewish students. Apparently, they forgot that Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy had federalized National Guard troops to enforce the civil rights of African American students. Days after the internal blowback, Armstrong resigned.
A second deficiency in Columbia’s civil rights governance is its lax definition of antisemitism. Columbia declined to update its Rules of University Conduct with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism. The IHRA definition has been adopted by the student governments of major universities nationwide, as well as most US states, the US government, Canada, 26 EU member states, and many other countries.
Columbia crafted a narrower definition of antisemitism that creates loopholes for antisemitic invective while evading institutional responsibility for the resulting harm. For example, the slogan “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” is considered antisemitic under the IHRA standard because it implicitly denies the Jewish right of self-determination. Columbia’s own former President Minouche Shafik admitted in 2024 that the slogan is antisemitic.
The offensive phrase was chanted by Columbia protestors at an illegal demonstration in 2024 and repeated by the Belmont Library offenders in May. Nevertheless, this hate speech is not antisemitic under Columbia’s limited definition, because that definition ignores denials of Jewish self-determination — and calls for the destruction of Israel (which “From the river to the sea” is).
Columbia doesn’t even use its minimized interpretation of antisemitism in civil rights investigations. The concept is expressly authorized only for training.
Radical Columbia opponents of the IHRA standard of antisemitism defend their Jew-baiting insults as expressions of free speech. But IHRA does not regulate speech. It only helps identify antisemitism, just as the “N” word helps identify racism. Even where speech is deemed antisemitic, it is punishable only to the extent it creates a “hostile educational environment” or serves as a heightening factor in determining the penalty for otherwise criminal activity.
A third failure in Columbia’s civil rights program is the lack of accountability. After the Belmont Library fiasco, Columbia’s Judicial Board imposed interim suspensions on 65 of the guilty students. The large number of sanctions was an encouraging sign. But because the penalty periods vary greatly in length and mostly remain undisclosed, their deterrent effect is weak. In February, after three pro-Palestinian lawbreakers were suspended for one to two years, they showed no remorse. On the contrary, they sued the university, swearing “We will not stop. We will not rest.”
All American schools must protect American civil rights. The job should not require the discipline of a government contract.
Joel M. Margolis is the Legal Commentator, American Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists, US Affiliate of the International Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists. His 2021 book, The Israeli-Palestinian Legal War, analyzed the major legal issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Previously he worked as a telecommunications lawyer in both the public and private sectors.
The post Despite Pending Federal Agreement, Columbia University Still Tolerates Antisemitism first appeared on Algemeiner.com.
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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.
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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.
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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.”