In a recent development at Columbia University, Assistant Professor Shai Davidai, an Israeli-American, has publicly criticized the university's President, Minouche Shafik, labeling her a "coward" for her silence regarding alleged "pro-terror" groups on campus.
Davidai, in a fervent address on campus, stated, "To the pro-terror organizations at Columbia, my seven-year-old son is a legitimate target of resistance just because hes Israeli." He further added, "My two-year-old daughter is a legitimate target of resistance that is what they are selling."
This comes in the wake of the shocking October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists, which resulted in the death, injury, and abduction of hundreds of civilians, including children and the elderly. Israel responded to the attack by launching missiles into Gaza.
Davidai did not mince words when he said, "Ill name it now. President Minouche Shafik, of Columbia University, you are a coward." Columbia University is among several prestigious institutions across the United States facing allegations of tolerating antisemitism amidst the ongoing debate over the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Joseph Massad, a professor of modern Arab politics and intellectual history at Columbia University, penned an article detailing the efforts of Hamas fighters infiltrating Israel. According to Massad, the operation, dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, involved Hamas seizing "50 Israeli military targets" across more than two dozen battle sites. Massad described Hamas' breaching of Israeli checkpoints separating Gaza from Israel as "astounding."
The ripple effects of the Hamas terrorist attacks have also been felt at Columbia. On October 11, a 24-year-old Israeli student was assaulted outside the University's main library, as reported by the New York Post.
Davidai also took aim at "presidents of universities all over the country" for their reluctance to condemn the terrorist attacks against Israel. He stated that he would never allow his young daughter to attend Columbia, not because it isn't a great institution, but because he believes she wouldn't be protected there due to the university President's tolerance of "pro-terrorists" on campus.
On October 12, hundreds of students gathered on Columbias main campus, some draped in Israeli flags or wearing the Palestinian keffiyeh (headscarf), in a show of support for both sides. The demonstrations remained peaceful, but they followed an attack that occurred after an argument over flyers featuring names and pictures of Israeli hostages.
In response to the campus debate, Shafik stated, "Unfortunately, some are using this moment to spread antisemitism, Islamophobia, bigotry against Palestinians and Israelis, and various other forms of hate." She added, "Especially at a time of pain and anger, we must avoid language that vilifies, threatens, or stereotypes entire groups of people."
She emphasized that such speech is "antithetical to Columbias values" and could lead to harassment or violence, and would not be tolerated if it violated university rules or was unlawful.
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