The Times of Israel Daily Briefing
Day 534 - Why Columbia U is a lightning rod for anti-Israel activism
Mar 23, 2025
Luke Tress, New York correspondent for The Times of Israel, dives into the heightened tensions surrounding anti-Israel activism at Columbia University. He discusses the university’s new security measures following federal scrutiny, especially regarding face masks during protests. Tress also touches on the case of detained student activist Mahmoud Khalil and the complex debates in the Jewish community about free speech vs. safety. Additionally, he highlights a rising trend among U.S. Jews exploring self-defense, including Krav Maga and investing in protection dogs.
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Quick takeaways
- Columbia University's new measures, including restrictions on face masks during protests, aim to address rising antisemitism amid campus tensions.
- As safety concerns grow, many U.S. Jews are investing in unique security measures like protection dogs and self-defense courses.
Deep dives
Columbia University Responds to Anti-Semitism Concerns
Columbia University has implemented a series of changes in response to demands from the Trump administration aimed at addressing anti-Semitism on campus. The adjustments include restrictions on face masks during protests and empowering security to remove disruptive individuals. This move comes in light of ongoing pro-Palestinian protests following the violent events of October 7th, which heightened concerns among Jewish students. Despite these measures, student protesters remain defiant, making it unclear whether such actions will significantly alter the dynamics of campus protests.
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