Columbia Rabbi Tells Jewish Students to Leave Campus, Warns that School, NYPD ‘Cannot Guarantee Your Safety’

The Orthodox rabbi at Columbia University and Barnard College sent a message recommending Jewish students to leave campus and go home as anti-Israel agitators have continued an “encampment” on campus, and participants were caught on camera espousing full-on support for terrorism and supporting violence toward Jewish students.

In a WhatsApp message sent to hundreds before the start of Passover, Rabbi Elie Buechler, director of OU-LJIC at Columbia/Barnard, told students to leave “as soon as possible” until the situation improves, noting that “what we are witnessing in and around campus is terrible and tragic.”

“The events of the last few days, especially last night, have made it clear that Columbia University’s Public Safety and the NYPD cannot guarantee Jewish students’ safety in the face of extreme antisemitism and anarchy,” Buechler wrote.

“It deeply pains me to say that I would strongly recommend you return home as soon as possible and remain home until the reality in and around campus has dramatically improved.” The rabbi added, "It is not our job as Jews to ensure our own safety on campus. No one should have to endure this level of hatred, let alone at school.” (FN / VFI News)

“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” - Psalm 16:8