Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) on Monday warned that Columbia University leadership “will pay the price” if they fail to protect Jewish students amid a pro-Gaza encampment on campus.
Gottheimer and fellow Jewish Democratic Reps. Kathy Manning (D-NC), Dan Goldman (D-NY), and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) held a news conference outside the university after they visited the campus as Jewish students have expressed concerns for their safety as a pro-Gaza protest encampment is held on the campus. Several other elected officials, including Republican New York Reps. Elise Stefanik, Mike Lawler, and Anthony D’Esposito, and Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY).
“We are all standing here today as four Jewish members of Congress to make one thing clear. Jewish students are welcome here at Columbia. And while the leadership of Columbia may be failing you, we will not. We will do everything in our power to keep you safe,” Gottheimer said at the news conference. “Columbia University, if they don't follow through, will pay the price.”
Gottheimer also slammed Columbia University President Minouche Shafik for her testimony before the House last week:
“The president and senior administrators testified … assuring lawmakers that they would stand against antisemitism, saying antisemitism is antithetical to Columbia's mission, goals, values, and teaching. It's got no place on our campus. Really?” he said. “A week later, toothless combinations from administrators aren't going to stop the anarchy we're seeing. The only way to do it is with deeds, not words.”
No violence has been reported related to the encampment, and police officers are stationed outside the campus gates as pro-Israel and pro-Palestine protesters face off. Police officers were called onto the campus to clear out a previous encampment last week.
