CAMERA on Campus is deeply concerned by the University of Chicago’s inadequate response to the recent vandalism of a memorial for Kfir Bibas, a 9-month-old Israeli hostage murdered by Hamas. The University’s statement is woefully inadequate, given the gravity of this antisemitic act, letting Jewish students feel as though their safety and well-being is not a priority.
The desecration of a memorial for an innocent infant is not merely a violation of free expression; it is a deliberate act of hatred targeting the Jewish community. By framing this incident solely as a matter of free speech, the University trivializes the trauma experienced by Jewish students and the broader implications of such actions.
We call on the University of Chicago to:
- Explicitly condemn this act as antisemitic and acknowledge its impact on Jewish students.
- Take concrete steps to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the vandalism.
- Implement comprehensive measures to combat antisemitism on campus that fall in line with the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.
- Provide enhanced support services for Jewish students affected by this and similar incidents.
The University’s commitment to free expression should not come at the expense of student safety and well-being. We stand in solidarity with Maroons for Israel and all Jewish students at the University of Chicago. The administration must take decisive action to ensure that Jewish students can feel safe and respected on campus.
