In These Times with Rabbi Ammi Hirsch: Columbia University Episode Summary

Release Date: June 6, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of In These Times with Rabbi Ami Hirsch, recorded at New York’s Stephen Wise Free Synagogue, Rabbi Ami engages in a profound discussion with two influential voices amid the ongoing crisis at Columbia University. The guests include Professor Shai Davidai, a social psychologist and proud Israeli, and Noah Fay, a distinguished student leader who is graduating amid campus turmoil. The conversation delves into the rise of antisemitism at Columbia, the administration's response, the role of faculty, and the broader implications for the Jewish community and higher education institutions.

1. Context of the Crisis at Columbia University

Rabbi Ami Hirsch sets the stage by acknowledging the current unrest at Columbia University, where Jewish students have reported feeling increasingly unwelcome and unsafe since October 7th. The administration's perceived inaction has exacerbated these concerns, leading to widespread protests and the cancellation of the main commencement ceremony.

• Noah Fay reflects on the emotional toll, describing the campus atmosphere as "a deflated balloon" (04:35), highlighting the profound impact on student well-being.

2. Understanding the Root Causes

Professor Shai Davidai offers a diagnosis of the situation, attributing the crisis to a combination of a socially active student body and problematic faculty with histories of antisemitism and support for terrorism.

• Professor Davidai explains, “Columbia has many problematic tenured professors with a legacy of antisemitism and support for terrorism” (06:13).

He draws parallels to the 1968 student protests, suggesting that the current movement at Columbia is an attempt to replicate those historical upheavals, now fueled by a specific ideological agenda.

• Davidai posits, “There is a search for meaning, a search for a cause, any cause. I think there is a sort of indoctrination that's been happening on campus” (07:36).

3. Personal Experiences and Reactions

Noah Fay shares her personal journey through the crisis, illustrating the psychological and academic struggles faced by Jewish students. She admits to initially trying to "ignore everything" to cope academically, which she later recognizes as a form of delusion necessary for survival.

• Noah Fay candidly states, “I have lost my patience. I was ready to wrap this up... they have lost all credibility for me” (11:37).

The discussion touches on the broader sentiment of fear and the internalization of antisemitic experiences, as Rabbi Ami Hirsch emphasizes the collective challenges faced by Jewish students.

• Rabbi Ami Hirsch critiques the framing of antisemitism as “only in your head,” highlighting the pervasive internal struggle (26:42).

4. Administration's Response and Moral Vacuum

A critical point of the conversation centers on the Columbia University administration's failure to promptly and effectively condemn the actions of Hamas following the October 7th massacre.

• Professor Davidai recalls, “The lack of moral clarity that was in the university's silence is what I believe started all of this” (18:20).

He accuses the administration of cowardice and callousness, suggesting that fears of bad public relations and alienating donors have led to insufficient support for Jewish students.

• Davidai asserts, “It's a mixture of cowardice and callousness... They do not see Jews, we're just invisible to them” (20:41).

Rabbi Ami Hirsch parallels this with historical instances where institutional silence enabled atrocities, questioning why university leaders appear indifferent compared to their responses to other forms of racism.

5. Faculty Involvement and Division

The conversation delves into the divided response among Columbia's faculty, with significant portions either supporting antisemitic sentiments or maintaining silence in the face of rising hatred.

• Professor Davidai observes, “We have less than a handful [of professors] who have spoken up against what's happening, especially non-Jewish faculty” (35:26).

He criticizes those who excuse or endorse violent actions, comparing their inaction to historical apathy during the Holocaust and slavery. The lack of leadership and the fear among Jewish faculty to speak out further exacerbate the situation.

6. The Role of Jewish Students and Leadership

Noah Fay emphasizes the importance of strong Jewish leadership in combating the crisis, advocating for visibility and community solidarity.

• Noah Fay urges, “You will have a strong, supportive community with you” (41:58).

Rabbi Ami Hirsch echoes this sentiment, encouraging Jewish students to "not hide" and to actively defend their values and existence on campus.

• Rabbi Ami Hirsch advises, “Find the community... Buy some books. Be prepared to stand up for yourself, for your values” (45:20).

7. Call to Action and Future Outlook

Both Rabbi Ami Hirsch and Noah Fay advocate for proactive measures to address antisemitism and support Jewish students. They stress the importance of community involvement, education, and resilience.

• Noah Fay advises prospective students, “Don't avoid Columbia because you will still deal with this in other places” (41:58).

• Rabbi Ami Hirsch emphasizes the necessity of fighting for institutions rather than abandoning them in times of crisis, maintaining faith in their potential for improvement (52:19).

8. Concluding Insights and Optimism

The episode concludes on a hopeful note, with a reaffirmation of Jewish resilience and the importance of unity in the face of adversity. The guests and Rabbi Ami Hirsch highlight the role of younger generations in shaping the future of American Jewish life, encouraging continued advocacy and community building.

• Shai Davidai reflects on the emergence of charismatic young leaders, stating, “Crises often bring forth attributes we never knew we had” (53:05).

• Noah Fay and Rabbi Ami Hirsch both advocate for maintaining optimism and fighting against hate with determination and unity.

Notable Quotes

• Rabbi Ami Hirsch (13:32): “What are you not doing when you're doing the thing you're doing... single issue groups... anti Semites represent the worst of us.”

• Professor Shai Davidai (18:20): “We have been spending in the error. We've been treating the critical conditions to keep the body alive. But now that we have a little bit time to breathe, we can do the bigger examinations... underlying issues are the things that really bother me.”

• Noah Fay (26:35): “You are not responsible for the fates of the entire Jewish people... we will fight this.”

• Rabbi Ami Hirsch (45:20): “You are not responsible for the fates of the entire Jewish people... Do not hide. Be ready to fight. Not physically, but ideologically.”

Conclusion

This episode of In These Times with Rabbi Ami Hirsch provides a critical examination of the antisemitic crisis at Columbia University, offering deep insights into the causes, impacts, and potential solutions. Through the voices of Professor Shai Davidai and Noah Fay, the conversation highlights the urgent need for institutional accountability, community solidarity, and proactive leadership to combat hate and ensure a safe and inclusive environment for Jewish students. The discussion serves as a clarion call for the Jewish community and allies to recognize and address the underlying issues, reaffirming the enduring strength and resilience of Jewish values in the face of adversity.