Administrators from Columbia University accused their Jewish students of “privilege” simply for daring to complain about antisemitism. Weaponizing the word ‘privilege’ against Jews is both insidious and invidious. College Administrators are ascribing to Jews a “privileged status” that invalidates their lived experience with antisemitism and denies them even right to complain about it. The lack of empathy for the plight of Jewish students is not a bug but a feature of a wider worldview—a deeper dehumanization of Jews—that has corrupted the far left.
Ritchie I'm an SAR parent and a discrimination lawyer. I've prosecuted cases on behalf of people of all races and religions. I thought I've seen it all. But those text messages were blood chilling. We need legislation. The laws were calibrated toward "pervasive" racism. This is much more subtle. And needs to be addressed head on. Your leadership is a welcome breath of fresh air. Marc
It's concerning to see Columbia University administrators label Jewish students as “privileged” just for voicing their concerns about antisemitism. Using the word ‘privilege’ in this context is both insidious and invidious, as it dismisses their real experiences and denies them the right to complain. This lack of empathy isn't just a glitch in the system—it's a feature of a broader worldview that dehumanizes Jews and has crept into some parts of the far left. what do you think universities should do to ensure that those are places where every student's experiences are validated and respected? Would love to know more about it if I am allowed to connect with you...because from the way I see it...., empathy clearly needs a better PR team!
I think it is the administrators who are privileged, and wrongfully abusing that privilege.
Perhaps your reactive reductionism is equally invidious. Privilege as is commonly used is relational. Privilege with respect to…. In many regards Jews in the US are privileged as compared to African Americans and Latinos. This doesnt mean we collectively should not confront manifestations of antisemitism forcefully. But it should not be done by a forced collective censorship of equating disagreement as antisemitism. Perhaps more harm is being done by extending the use of antisemitism in such a way.
Abi Djanogly
1w
Ritchie Torres I went to a university in London and our graduation ceremony 14 years ago was on Rosh Hashanah - so the three Jewish kids on the course couldn’t attend. We politely tried to get them to change the date so we could go - but the dean of the university refused. Then we gave up trying - because we didn’t want to be “the difficult Jews”. I look back on this now and think, what on earth just happened? We totally should have fought to be able to attend our graduation day. None of this is particularly new unfortunately - it’s just more highlighted now than it ever was before. There was always a “kippah ceiling” - it was just hidden better.
It terrible, 😞 they tend to be selective on a certain group when they complain but for other they just empathize and support them
It is sad to see that Columbia and many other schools have become no-go zones for Jewish students. Thank you Congressman Torres what standing up for them!
Dept. Chair & Professor, Computer Science, Yeshiva University
2wRep. Torres, your brave support is greatly appreciated, but perhaps these deans and universities (as well as antisemitic protestors around the country) are taking their lead from the various federal agencies (FBI, DOJ, DOE, etc.) which have done *absolutely nothing* to actively defend the civil rights of Jews over the last 9 months, and/or from prosecutors who drop charges against protestors who broke the law while engaging in antisemitic protests. Congressional hearings make for good video on CSPAN, but we need *concrete and definitive action* by the federal government in the foreseeable future, or every Jew with a sense of history will be making plans to leave America before things get even more violent.