Jewish students from various colleges in New York City had the opportunity to participate in a roundtable discussion with Mayor Eric Adams on Monday morning. During the meeting, the students bravely shared their personal stories of facing harassment and intimidation on their college campuses. The Mayor emphasized his administration’s dedication to addressing antisemitism and ensuring the safety of all New Yorkers.
Members of Baruch College’s Leader Family Hillel recounted a recent event where they were met with vocal protests while trying to welcome new Jewish students to campus. One student, Ernest Rafailov, expressed feeling shocked and scared by the experience. Despite the challenges, Aidan Herzlinger, another Baruch student, stressed the importance of remaining calm and being a voice for fellow students in such situations.
Rep. Ritchie Torres captured the scene faced by the students in a video posted on social media. This video served as a reminder of the discrimination and harassment Jewish students often endure on college campuses, as highlighted by graduate student Michael Valdes from The New School. The discussion at City Hall also included students from City College of New York who recalled feeling intimidated and unsafe during past incidents on campus.
During the roundtable conversation, Mayor Adams assured the students that he would do everything within the law to ensure the safety of New Yorkers. He explained that the NYPD’s intervention on college campuses requires permission from school officials, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and educational institutions. Deputy Mayor Fabian Levy added that preparations have been made with various colleges to handle similar situations effectively in the future.
The meeting provided a platform for students to voice their concerns and experiences related to antisemitism on college campuses. It was a significant step towards raising awareness about the challenges faced by Jewish students and working towards creating a safer and more inclusive environment for all members of the community. Through open dialogue and collaboration with city officials, the students expressed hope for a future where instances of discrimination and harassment are addressed promptly and effectively.
