Jewish students at MIT have declared, “Our campus is no longer safe for Jews.” Recent anti-Israel protests, intimidation, and shocking displays of hostility have created an environment that echoes the darkest moments in history.
Now, it is up to us to demand real action from MIT leadership to restore safety, civility, and accountability.
An open letter from the MIT Jewish Alumni Alliance outlines the harrowing reality: On November 9th, the anniversary of Kristallnacht, Jewish students were told to enter campus through back entrances and avoid the Hillel building for their own safety as anti-Israel demonstrators, led by the MIT Coalition Against Apartheid (CAA), blockaded MIT’s main entrance. Protesters shouted “Intifada” – a call for violence against Jews – while physically preventing students from attending class.
The hostility didn’t end there. MIT’s official mascot, Tim the Beaver, was photographed wearing a keffiyeh – a symbol historically linked to terrorism, inciting further alienation and fear among Jewish students.
Why was I forced to take down my Israeli & American flags in my office @MIT because it reflects as a political opinion of the Institute, but the official MIT mascot, TIM the beaver, is allowed to repeatedly espouse political propaganda with seemingly no repercussions from admin? pic.twitter.com/HHLqw1fg6r
— Talia Khan (@realtaliakhan) October 17, 2024
In addition, Professor Daniela Rus, a prominent MIT faculty member, was targeted with hateful “Wanted” posters, falsely accusing her of complicity in genocide due to her research.
This environment is unacceptable. Jewish students report feeling unsafe walking across campus, entering buildings, and attending class.
The open letter demands that MIT enforce meaningful disciplinary action against those perpetuating antisemitism and establish an antisemitism-specific task force to combat this growing hostility.
We cannot remain silent as Jewish students are harassed and intimidated. MIT must act immediately to restore safety and dignity for all.
Click to send an email to president@mit.edu:
SAMPLE EMAIL
Subject: Urgent Action Needed to Address Antisemitism at MIT
I am writing to express my deep concern about the alarming rise of antisemitism on MIT’s campus. Jewish students have been blockaded, intimidated, and harassed, creating an unsafe and hostile learning environment. Such actions violate MIT’s core values and Title VI obligations.
I urge you to:
Enforce meaningful consequences for individuals and groups that violate campus rules and promote antisemitic harassment.
Establish an antisemitism-specific task force to combat this growing hostility and ensure Jewish students feel safe.
MIT must take swift and decisive action to restore civility, safety, and accountability on campus. Anything less is unacceptable.
Sincerely,