In recent days, Cornell University has been rocked by a disturbing incident of antisemitism that has left the campus community in shock and outrage. A 21-year-old junior at the university, Patrick Dai, was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly making violent online threats directed towards Jewish students at the school.[0] The threats, which were posted anonymously on a Greek life website, included chilling messages such as “shoot up” Cornell's kosher dining hall and “jewish people need to be killed” and “eliminate jewish living from cornell campus.”[1] These hateful and dangerous statements have deeply impacted not only the Jewish students, faculty, and staff at Cornell but the entire community as well.
Martha Pollack, the president of Cornell University, has been vocal in denouncing this incident of antisemitism and emphasizing that it will not be tolerated at the university. She has repeatedly condemned bigotry and hatred, both on and off campus, and has made it clear that Cornell stands united against such divisive forces. Pollack recognizes the real and destructive impact that antisemitism has on the Jewish community at Cornell and stresses the need to combat these forces that seek to divide and drive us towards hate. She asserts that this incident cannot define Cornell University.[2]
The arrest of Patrick Dai on federal charges of posting threats to kill or injure another using interstate communications is a significant step towards justice.[3] Dai, a junior engineering student at Cornell, is originally from Pittsford, New York.[4] He is currently in custody and will make his initial court appearance in Syracuse.[5] If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.[6]
Law enforcement authorities have identified Dai as a person of interest in relation to the threats of a mass shooting and antisemitic violence at Cornell University.[7] He is currently being questioned by the New York State Police.[8] The swift action taken by law enforcement to apprehend the suspect is commendable and shows a commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the Cornell community.
This incident of antisemitism at Cornell is not an isolated event but part of a larger trend of rising antisemitic incidents across the United States. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has reported a nearly 400% increase in antisemitic incidents, including assaults, harassment, and vandalism, since the recent conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. FBI Director Christopher Wray has stated that antisemitism in the US is reaching “historic levels.”[9] It is deeply troubling and alarming that such hatred and bigotry continue to persist in our society.
The threats made against Cornell's Jewish community come in the wake of other incidents of antisemitism on campus. Just last week, the university was vandalized with hateful anti-Israel graffiti, including messages that read “F–k Israel” and “Zionism = Racism.”[10] These incidents have left Jewish students feeling terrified and concerned for their safety.[11] Molly Goldstein, co-president of the Cornell Center for Jewish Living, expressed the fear and anxiety that Jewish students are experiencing in the aftermath of these threats.[12]
The response from Cornell University has been one of condemnation and a commitment to supporting the affected community. Martha Pollack, along with other university officials, has expressed shock and outrage at the antisemitic threats. They believe that the perpetrators should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.[13] Cornell Police have increased security measures on campus, and the university is working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff.
It is crucial that incidents of antisemitism, like the one at Cornell, are met with swift and decisive action. Hate speech and threats of violence have no place in our society, and universities must take a strong stance against such acts. The Cornell community must come together to support one another and stand united against hatred and bigotry.[2] Education and awareness are also key in combating antisemitism and fostering a more inclusive and tolerant campus environment.
As the legal proceedings unfold and the Cornell community begins the healing process, it is essential to remember the values that define the university. Cornell has a rich history of diversity, inclusion, and academic excellence. It is a place where individuals from different backgrounds come together to learn, grow, and contribute to society. Antisemitism and other forms of prejudice have no place in this community. It is up to all members of the Cornell community to actively work towards creating an environment that is free from hatred and discrimination.
In the face of adversity, it is important to remember that love and compassion are powerful forces that can overcome hate. Cornell University has an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to these values by standing in solidarity with its Jewish community and taking decisive action to address the root causes of antisemitism. Only through collective efforts can we build a more inclusive and tolerant society, one where incidents of antisemitism become a thing of the past.
0. “Cornell student Patrick Dai, 21 is charged with threatening to shoot Jewish students on campus with an assault” Daily Mail, 1 Nov. 2023, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12695827/Cornell-student-Patrick-Dai-21-charged-threatening-shoot-Jewish-students-campus-assault-rifle-calling-rape-beheading-female-Jewish-attendees-Ivy-League-college.html
1. “Arrest made over threats to kill Jews at Cornell as New York State announces new measures to combat antisemitism” JTA News – Jewish Telegraphic Agency, 31 Oct. 2023, https://www.jta.org/2023/10/31/ny/arrest-made-over-threats-to-kill-jews-at-cornell-as-new-york-state-announces-new-measures-to-combat-antisemitism
2. “What we know about the hate speech situation at Cornell” City & State, 30 Oct. 2023, https://www.cityandstateny.com/politics/2023/10/what-we-know-about-hate-speech-situation-cornell/391631/
3. “Cornell Threats of Antisemitic Violence Lead Police to Suspect” Bloomberg, 31 Oct. 2023, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-10-31/cornell-threats-of-antisemitic-violence-lead-police-to-suspect
4. “Update: Cornell student charged in threats against school's Jewish community” The Ithaca Voice, 31 Oct. 2023, https://ithacavoice.org/2023/10/suspect-in-custody-in-threats-against-cornell-jewish-community/
5. “Breaking news: “Person of interest” in Cornell threats in State Police custody, says Governor” 14850, 31 Oct. 2023, https://www.14850.com/103133983-hochul-cornell-threats
6. “Person of interest being questioned after antisemitic threats made at Cornell University” CBS News, 31 Oct. 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/watch-live-gov-kathy-hochul-to-address-hate-crimes-in-speech-at-columbia-university
7. “Police question ‘person of interest' in antisemitic threats to Cornell” The Washington Post, 1 Nov. 2023, https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/10/31/person-interest-suspect-cornell-antisemitic-threats/
8. “Posts Online Threaten Jewish Students and Center for Jewish Living” Cornell University The Cornell Daily Sun, 29 Oct. 2023, https://cornellsun.com/2023/10/29/posts-online-threaten-jewish-students-and-center-for-jewish-living/
9. “Cornell student arrested in connection with antisemitic threats made against Cornell University’s Jewish community” CNN, 1 Nov. 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/31/us/cornell-antisemetic-threats-person-of-interest/index.html
10. “Cornell university antisemitism: Person arrested in connection with anti-Jewish threats” The Jewish Chronicle, 31 Oct. 2023, https://www.thejc.com/news/world/person-arrested-in-connection-with-antisemitic-threats-at-cornell-2ZlqHy53dZ51Bbt8o8588p
11. “Cornell Jewish students ‘terrified' to be on campus” Fox News, 1 Nov. 2023, https://www.foxnews.com/video/6340261633112
12. “Person held over threats to Cornell Jewish students” BBC.com, 31 Oct. 2023, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-67280174
13. “Cornell student arrested in connection with antisemitic threats on New York campus” NPR, 1 Nov. 2023, https://www.npr.org/2023/10/31/1209839480/cornell-student-arrested-antisemitic-threats
