Cornell University, located in Ithaca, New York, is currently under investigation by the university police and the FBI following a series of antisemitic threats made against its Jewish community. The threats were posted on a website that is not affiliated with the university and specifically targeted the Center for Jewish Living, located at “104 West” on campus.

One of the threats, disturbingly, called for individuals to follow Jewish people home and "slit their throats," stating that "rats need to be eliminated from Cornell." This shocking message has raised concerns about the safety and security of Jewish students and staff at the university.

The Steven K. and Winifred A. Grinspoon Hillel Center, an organization dedicated to supporting Jewish life on campus, acknowledged the threats in a social media post, alerting the community that the Cornell Police Department is closely monitoring the situation and stationed at 104 West. As a precautionary measure, they advised students and staff to avoid the building for now.

Cornell University President Martha E. Pollack expressed her deep concern about the threats, describing them as "horrendous." She emphasized that the police have promptly informed the FBI, indicating the potential hate crime nature of these threats. Pollack vowed that those responsible for the messages would face severe consequences in accordance with the law. She also asserted that the university will not tolerate antisemitism and will prioritize the safety of the Cornell community.

The Cornell Center for Jewish Living (CJL), in an email sent to the community, acknowledged the threat of violence made on GreekRank, the website where the antisemitic messages were posted. Similar to Hillel and Pollack, the CJL confirmed that the police and FBI are actively investigating the threats. They reassured their students that their safety remains their top priority and promised to provide updates as soon as they receive them.

The threats against Cornell's Jewish community come at a time of heightened tensions on college campuses across the United States due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Many universities are experiencing passionate protests, and administrators are grappling with how to address the concerns of their students while managing pressure from influential donors who demand a clearer stance on the conflict. This escalating situation has contributed to a charged atmosphere on campuses nationwide.

In addition to the threats, the university's newspaper, The Cornell Review, reported that several sidewalks on campus were vandalized with anti-Israel graffiti just last week. These incidents have further heightened concerns about the rise of antisemitism and the need to address the divisions within the Cornell community.

President Pollack, in her statement, condemned the violent threats as completely unacceptable and emphasized the university's commitment to prioritizing the safety of its community. She firmly stated that Cornell will not tolerate antisemitism and called for unity in the face of hate. Pollack recognized the impact of antisemitism on Jewish students, faculty, and staff, as well as the entire Cornell community, emphasizing the importance of combating these divisive forces.

As the investigation continues, the police presence remains at 104 West, ensuring the safety of students and community members. Cornell, located about 60 miles south of Syracuse, is determined to address the incident and create an environment where all individuals can thrive without fear of discrimination or harm.