Internet-Based Threats Incite Concern Among Jewish Students at Cornell University

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Concerns have been heightened among students at Cornell University following online messages that were overtly threatening towards Jews. In response, authorities have deployed police officers to secure a Jewish community center and a kosher dining facility on campus.

The intimidating anonymous messages were displayed on a digital platform devoted to fraternity and sorority discussions during the weekend. This incident occurs within a broader context of rising antisemitic and anti-Muslim comments on social media, fueled by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

During her visit to Cornell’s Center for Jewish Living on Monday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul assured that the state police would actively work to identify the individuals behind these online threats and bring them to justice. “Freedom from fear is essential while walking from a dorm or dining hall to a classroom. When expression escalates into hate speech and potentially into hate crimes, we must assure students that their safety will be upheld,” Hochul stated.

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In addition, the Cornell University Police Department has initiated an investigation and has also involved the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Although the threats, which were posted on Saturday and Sunday, were subsequently deleted and did not prompt a lockdown or dining hall closure, Cornell Hillel—a Jewish campus organization—recommended avoiding the affected building as a precautionary measure.

Security measures were visible on Monday, with a state police cruiser parked near the Center for Jewish Living and campus security vehicles present.

Ori Baer, a sophomore at the center, stated that a sense of unease is prevalent among Jewish students. Some students have opted to temporarily move out, while others remain confined to their rooms. Some parents have also reached out, suggesting their children return home due to the current climate.

Campus protests both for and against Israel and Palestine have swept across U.S. universities since the start of the conflict, resulting in Jewish and Muslim students alike reporting feelings of isolation and lack of institutional support.

The surge in hate crimes targeting both Jews and Muslims has been alarming. Earlier this month, a Muslim child was fatally stabbed, and his mother injured in Illinois; the perpetrator faces hate crime charges for allegedly targeting them based on their religious beliefs.

Although the threats originated from a Greek life discussion site not directly affiliated with the Ithaca, New York-based university, the impact has been substantial in creating an atmosphere of apprehension.

Cornell President Martha E. Pollack issued a statement acknowledging the severity and widespread impact of antisemitism on the Cornell community.

The Biden administration expressed serious concerns on Monday about the escalating incidents of antisemitism affecting educational institutions. Federal agencies, including the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security, are coordinating with campus security personnel to address these issues.

In further developments, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona and Domestic Policy Adviser Neera Tanden are scheduled to engage in a roundtable discussion with Jewish students later this week. Officials have also been touring other campuses to confront antisemitism, with further visits planned in New York City and Baltimore.

The federal government is also in the process of updating procedures to register discrimination complaints, explicitly stating that antisemitism and Islamophobia are offenses under the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

Contributions to this report were made by Hannon from Bangkok, Thailand, and Collin Binkley in Washington, D.C.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cornell University Antisemitic Threats

More about Cornell University Antisemitic Threats

• Cornell University Official Statement on Antisemitic Threats
• Governor Kathy Hochul’s Remarks on Campus Security Measures
• Federal Response to Antisemitism in Educational Institutions
• Cornell University Police Department Investigation Update
• Cornell Hillel Advisory Statement
• The 1964 Civil Rights Act and Discrimination Complaints
• Biden Administration’s Initiative to Address Antisemitism and Islamophobia
• National Trends in Hate Crimes against Religious Groups
• Overview of the Israel-Hamas Conflict and Its Impact on U.S. Campuses
• Reporting on Antisemitic and Anti-Muslim Hate Crimes in the U.S.