Rally Supporters at DePaul University Targeted in Antisemitic Attack
More Than Two Dozen People Gathered on Campus to Support Jewish Students
More than two dozen people gathered on the campus of DePaul University for a rally early Thursday evening to show their support for two Jewish students, who were targeted in an antisemitic attack in front of the student center two weeks ago.
A Call to Action
Max Long and Michael Kaminsky, along with Jewish community groups and organizations, are calling on the university to do more to ensure safety for Jewish students on campus.
“We’re sending a message to these institutions to do more to protect all of your students and stop turning a blind eye to injustices happening all over your campus,” said Long.
The Attack
Long described the attack, saying, “One of the suspects was engaging with us when out of nowhere he was ambushed from behind. Kaminsky tried to help his friend. He too was attacked. Chicago police are still looking for the two masked men.”
According to Long, days after the attack, students on campus distributed wanted flyers with his picture and name on them, further highlighting the need for increased safety measures.
Response from the Chicago Jewish Alliance
The Chicago Jewish Alliance, along with several other organizations, is responding to the attack. The alliance submitted a letter to the university asking them to take actionable measures to prevent this from happening again.
“Please wake up, please pressure your institutions to change, please do something about it,” said Josh Weiner, Chicago Jewish Alliance co-founder.
Adar Rubin, Director of Mobilization for the #EndJewHatred Movement, emphasized that the attack was intentionally carried out to avoid detection, stating, “These two culprits who attacked Max and Michael weren’t wearing a mask for health or religious reasons. They were doing this intentionally to avoid detection so they can get away with it.”
University Response
Since the attack, university leaders have condemned the attack, increased safety patrols on campus, and offered their support to students. DePaul said it is committed to building a culture of dialogue and understanding.
Conclusion
The rally at DePaul University is a powerful reminder that antisemitism is a reality that must be addressed and combated. The incident serves as a wake-up call for institutions to prioritize the safety and well-being of Jewish students and staff.
FAQs
* What happened during the attack?
+ According to Max Long, the attack occurred when one suspect was engaging with them and was ambushed from behind. Kaminsky tried to help his friend, who was also attacked.
* What is the response of the Chicago Jewish Alliance to the attack?
+ The alliance submitted a letter to the university asking them to take actionable measures to prevent similar attacks from occurring in the future.
* What is the university doing to address the attack and ensure student safety?
+ University leaders have condemned the attack, increased safety patrols on campus, and offered their support to students. DePaul is committed to building a culture of dialogue and understanding.
