Democratic Congressman Denounces Columbia Over Antisemitism

Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) has issued a scathing critique of Columbia University, accusing the Ivy League institution of fostering an environment permissive of antisemitism. His remarks, delivered on Sunday, targeted the university’s failure to adequately address inflammatory and violent rhetoric propagated by certain student groups on campus.

“Columbia University is so embedded in anti-Israel propaganda that it has a publication entitled ‘The Columbia Intifada,’” Torres stated. “What is needed in our society is a revolution of the responsible against the intifada idiocy of the far-left.”

The controversy centers around a publication distributed by Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), titled “The Columbia Intifada.” The issue featured articles with incendiary titles such as “Zionist Peace Means Palestinian Blood” and “The Myth of the Two-State Solution.” Critics say this reflects a broader culture of anti-Israel sentiment at the prestigious university.

In response, Columbia University condemned the publication, stating it violated their values. “Using the Columbia name for a publication that glorifies violence and makes individuals in our community feel targeted is a breach of our values,” the university said. They promised an investigation and potential disciplinary measures for the students involved.

This incident is not isolated. Over the past year, Columbia has faced repeated criticism for its handling of antisemitism on campus. Following the October 7 Hamas massacre in Israel, several Columbia student groups released statements blaming Israel entirely for the violence. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus included chants telling Jewish students to “go back to Brooklyn.”

Torres, a consistent advocate for Jewish students and Israel, has also called attention to similar issues on other campuses. He praised New York University (NYU) for updating its policies to classify certain anti-Zionist language as hate speech, calling on Columbia to follow suit. “Columbia must adopt measures to protect Jewish students,” Torres said, pointing to the growing exclusion of self-identified Zionists from student organizations.

The escalation of hostility at Columbia has led to growing concern among Jewish students, alumni, and community members. Many believe the university’s current policies are insufficient in addressing the systemic nature of the problem.

Despite these challenges, leaders like Torres continue to call for accountability and urge institutions to ensure campuses remain safe spaces for all students, regardless of their faith or political views.

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