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(TJV) Shai Davidai, an Israeli-born assistant professor at Columbia Business School known for his vocal support of Israel, found himself locked out of the university’s main campus on Monday. As he attempted to enter the Morningside Heights campus and swiped his key card, it displayed “deactivated,” leading to a chorus of pro-Israel protesters rallying for his entry, chanting “Let him in!” and “Shame!”
Columbia Professor Shai Davidai has been banned from the university campus on Monday morning after attempting to peacefully sit in the “Liberated Zone” created by the Pro-Hamas student protesters. Prof. Davidai says that despite the efforts of those who come to oppress us, the… pic.twitter.com/nE2XrReDt9
— The Jewish Voice (@TJVNEWS) April 22, 2024
Addressing the crowd, Davidai revealed that Columbia’s Chief Operating Officer, Cas Holloway, informed him, “You are not allowed on campus because we cannot ensure your safety.” Davidai, however, pointed out the irony that his key card still granted access to the university’s Manhattanville campus uptown on West 130th Street, where he teaches at the business school.
“They are willing to use Jewish brains, but they don’t want to let Jewish people in,” Davidai remarked, highlighting the apparent contradiction.
Columbia University Professor Shai Davidai attempts to enter the campus to sit in the “liberated zone” and express his views but was denied access by the administration. He intends to return to the campus on Wednesday to teach his courses as he said he has a responsibility to his… pic.twitter.com/DkwkoephSF
— The Jewish Voice (@TJVNEWS) April 22, 2024
Davidai criticized the administration for prioritizing the safety of anti-Israel protesters while neglecting the concerns of Jewish students. “We know whose safety they can ensure—for the past five days, they’ve been ensuring the safety of the students who are calling on Hamas to target Jewish students,” he asserted.
Encouraging other pro-Israel supporters to exercise caution amid the protests, Davidai urged them to document any instances of Jewish individuals being denied access to campus.
The incident occurred as in-person classes were canceled at the Ivy League university ahead of Passover, amidst ongoing anti-Israel protests. University President Minouche Shafik addressed the situation in an email to students, acknowledging the strain on campus unity and emphasizing the need for a reset.
“I am deeply saddened by what is happening on our campus. Our bonds as a community have been severely tested in ways that will take a great deal of time and effort to reaffirm,” Shafik wrote, announcing additional security measures to address safety concerns.
Expressing similar sentiments, a prominent rabbi at the school urged students to go home and stay there until tensions on campus subside, echoing the fears expressed by many Jewish students amidst the protests.
