Hamas and Hatred at Columbia University: How Radicalism is Destroying University Life for Americans By Rabbi Daniel Schonbuch, LMFT

In recent months, Columbia University has become ground zero for radical activism that is not only hostile to American values but actively undermines the foundations of higher education. Just today, protesters staged a sit-in at Milbank Hall, an event reported by Columbia Spectator, highlighting the growing unrest on campus.

What was once one of the most prestigious institutions in the world is now a breeding ground for extremist rhetoric, intimidation, and ideological indoctrination, with Hamas sympathizers at the heart of the unrest. The infiltration of Hamas-aligned activists into Columbia's student body and faculty is not just an isolated incident—it is symptomatic of a larger issue threatening universities nationwide.

The Rise of Radicalization on Campus

Columbia University has long been a hub for progressive activism, but the current wave of pro-Hamas demonstrations is unlike anything seen before. What initially appeared as student protests in response to international events has morphed into an aggressive movement that openly supports terrorist organizations, justifies violence against civilians, and seeks to silence dissenting voices on campus.

The most alarming aspect of this radicalization is the blatant glorification of Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization responsible for countless acts of violence against Israeli and American citizens. Rather than condemning the group's brutal tactics—including the murder of innocents—many student organizations at Columbia have embraced its ideology under the guise of "liberation" and "resistance." These activists are not merely expressing political opinions; they are openly advocating for terror and destruction.

The Impact on Jewish and Pro-American Students

One of the most disturbing consequences of this radicalization is the hostile environment it has created for Jewish students and others who support Israel or simply uphold American democratic values. Reports from Columbia students describe an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, where anyone who does not align with the extreme anti-Israel stance is at risk of being harassed, ostracized, or even physically threatened.

Jewish students have been doxxed, their names and personal information shared online by activists aiming to make them targets. Professors who refuse to tow the anti-Israel line have faced boycotts and threats to their careers. Meanwhile, university administrators have largely turned a blind eye to this growing hostility, either out of ideological sympathy or fear of backlash from the radical left.

The message is clear: if you are Jewish, pro-Israel, or even just a moderate American who believes in free speech and reasoned debate, you are not welcome at Columbia University.

The Collapse of Academic Integrity

The presence of Hamas-aligned activism at Columbia is not just a social problem—it is an academic crisis. The university, once a beacon of higher learning, is being hijacked by extremists who prioritize ideological purity over intellectual diversity.

Professors openly sympathizing with Hamas use their classrooms as platforms for propaganda rather than education. Students who challenge this narrative risk being ostracized or penalized academically. In essence, Columbia is no longer an institution dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge but rather an indoctrination center where only one perspective is allowed to be expressed.

Moreover, the funding behind these radical movements raises serious questions. Investigations have revealed that certain student organizations with ties to Hamas receive support from foreign entities that are hostile to the United States. This suggests that what is happening at Columbia is not simply grassroots activism—it is part of a larger, coordinated effort to spread anti-American sentiment and undermine national security.

The Broader Implications for America

The chaos unfolding at Columbia University is not an isolated incident; it is a microcosm of a larger battle for the soul of American education. If radical groups can take over one of the nation's most esteemed institutions and turn it into a hotbed of extremism, then no university is safe.

This problem extends beyond Columbia. Across the country, we are witnessing a troubling trend in which left-wing radicalism, anti-American sentiment, and open support for terrorist organizations are becoming normalized within academia. The consequences of this are dire: a generation of students is being indoctrinated into an ideology that despises Western civilization, demonizes the United States, and glorifies violent extremism.

At its core, this movement is an attack on the principles that have made America great—free speech, intellectual diversity, and respect for democratic values. If we allow universities to be overrun by extremist groups aligned with Hamas, we risk losing these values altogether.

How Do We Fight Back?

The situation at Columbia University and other institutions like it demands urgent action. Here’s what must be done to combat this growing threat:

1. Defund Radical Student Organizations – Universities should cut all funding to groups that openly support terrorism or engage in acts of intimidation and violence. Taxpayer dollars and alumni donations should not be used to fund hate and extremism.

2. Hold University Administrators Accountable – The leadership at Columbia and other institutions must be forced to take responsibility for the radicalization occurring on their campuses. If they refuse to act, alumni and donors must withdraw their support.

3. Strengthen Protections for Jewish and Pro-American Students – Students who are being harassed for their beliefs should have legal recourse, and universities should enforce strict penalties for those who engage in intimidation tactics.

4. Expose Foreign Influence – Investigations into foreign funding of anti-American and anti-Israel activism must be pursued aggressively. If foreign governments or organizations are fueling this radicalization, they must be held accountable.

5. Encourage Political and Public Pressure – Lawmakers should step in to ensure that universities do not become breeding grounds for extremism. Public awareness and political action are essential in reversing this dangerous trend.

Sit-In Protest Highlights Growing Concerns

Just today, a sit-in protest was organized to push back against the radicalism at Columbia University. Concerned students, alumni, and faculty gathered to demand accountability from the administration and call for an end to the intimidation and extremist rhetoric that has taken hold of the campus. The event, which was supported by organizations dedicated to preserving academic freedom and protecting Jewish students, reflects the growing outrage among Americans who refuse to let their universities be hijacked by those who support terrorism. 

Conclusion: A Battle for the Future of America

The fight against radicalism at Columbia University is about more than just one school—it is about the future of the American education system and, ultimately, the nation itself. We cannot allow our institutions of higher learning to be taken over by groups that promote hatred, violence, and anti-American sentiment.

If this extremist movement continues unchecked, it will not be long before every major university in the country is similarly compromised. The time to take a stand is now. We must reclaim our schools, restore academic integrity, and ensure that higher education remains a place for true learning, not a tool for ideological warfare.

The question is no longer whether Columbia University can be saved—the question is whether America can afford to let it fall.