By Tim Harfmann
The disbelief outside of Teachers College at Columbia University comes after vandalism – two large swastikas and an anti-Semitic slur spray painted on the walls of professor Elizabeth Midlarsky’s office. She is Jewish.
“I’m just totally shocked and horrified by this, especially in this institution. We preach multi-multiculturalism. We preach diversity,โ said student Jack Borenstein.
The graffiti was discovered Wednesday just before noon.
[Related:ย Why Are Anti-Semitic Attacks On The Rise In The U.S.?]
“I spoke to my mother-in-law this morning, who’s a Holocaust survivor and lives in Sweden. She said she can’t believe what’s happening in New York. It’s like the 30s all over again all over the world,โ said Ulrika Citron.
Students say there’s tight security around campus. In order to access buildings, you must have a proper identification.
“You scan it and so everyone has their ID card either in their phone or something. It comes up that the security officers will get to known who’s a student. They’ll see right away if it doesn’t scan,โ said student Christine Beverin.
Teachers College at Columbia University released a statement, reading in part:
“We unequivocally condemn any expression of hatred, which has no place in our society. We are outraged and horrified by this act of aggression and use of this vile anti-Semitic symbol against a valued member of our community.”
This comes at a time when attacks on the jewish community are on the rise.
As of this month, the NYPD says there have been 160 reports in New York City. That’s up 22% from 130 cases this time last year.