To the Editor:
As an alumnus of Columbia University and Barnard College, I personally denounce the despicable antisemitic, anti-Israel and pro-Hamas campus protests and demonstrations; President Nemat (Minouche) Shafik's lack of rational and just leadership; the shameful anti-Israel commentary by individual faculty; and the immoral insanity of non student body rioters allowed on campus.
Post October 7th, our American academia allowed this nationwide scourge of socio-political mania, which opened a Pandora's box of unmitigated xenophobia now at a fever pitch.
In order to defend itself, Israel has every right to fight any terrorist force, whether it be Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthi, the Iranian regime or any other enemy of Israel. Bringing home the hostages is still the hope of us all.
It was at Barnard and Columbia that I was first introduced to Judaism through my classmates. They inspired a love in me for Torah, the feasts, and Israel, till I eventually began advocating for Israel among global leaders and serving an international Holocaust foundation.
My prayer is that each precious Jewish Columbia University student and faculty member will be safe, and in place of fear that their courage and resolve to stand with Israel will be strengthened more than ever.
Nancy Fox
Williamson County, TN
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