(ConservativeJournal.org) – Vandalism in the form of graffiti with anti-Semitic motives was discovered at Boston University Hillel, and authorities are investigating it as a potential hate crime.
The incident prompted a swift response from BU and law enforcement. There were no specifics regarding the content of the graffiti so it remains unknown what the context is. The event has, however, caused concern among Jewish students about their safety on campus.
The Israel-Hamas conflict has ignited huge debates across college campuses all across the country. The conflict erupted on October 7 when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, resulting in over 1000 Israeli casualties. Israel’s initial retaliation and then subsequent incursion into Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza, has led to over 10,000 deaths.
Palestinian supporters are calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, while Jewish and Israeli students say that they are now more than ever afraid for their safety because of the anti-Semitic incidents happening around the world.
Rabbi Jevin Eagle, the Executive Director and University Chaplain, expressed in a campus-wide letter that the Jewish community is deeply affected by this act of vandalism. BU, BU Police, and the Suffolk County District Attorney are actively investigating it as a religious hate crime.
Both Rabbi Eagle and Managing Director Ethan Sobel have pledged unwavering support for Jewish students and affirmed their support for Israel. They strongly condemn hate crimes in any form and also say that whoever committed the vandalism will suffer consequences if they are found.
The vandalization comes right after another incident at Umass Amherst, where a student was arrested for allegedly assaulting a Jewish student and spitting on the Israeli flag the victim was holding. The attack occurred after UMass Hillel organized a walk and gathering on campus to advocate for the return of 240 Israeli hostages taken during the October 7 Hamas attack in Israel.
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