At Northeastern University, somebody vandalized a mezuzah at the entrance to the campus chapter of the Jewish organization Hillel, while at Tufts, two of the small cases, which contain parchment from the Torah and which are mounted at doorways, were stolen from dorms last month.
Northeastern University President Joseph Aoun reported the Hillel vandalism in a campuswide e-mail message today:
The Northeastern University Police Department is investigating this incident; at this time they do not believe the suspect is affiliated with the university.
No matter its origin, this despicable act has left members of our Jewish community justifiably upset, saddened, and even fearful. They are experiencing firsthand an instance of senseless hate, coming at a time when the ancient scourge of anti-Semitism is on the rise across the U.S. and around the world.
We must respond first with compassion and empathy. We must offer an endless well of support, standing in unity with our Jewish classmates, colleagues, and friends.
State Sen. Becca Rausch, a Needham Democrat, calls Aoun's statement too little too late:
As a @NUSL alum, I am appalled to learn of the university’s failure to timely, adequately call out & condemn acts of #antisemitism on campus. Looking to admin for much, much better.
To all Jewish Northeastern students, I am here, in solidarity. Reach out as you like.
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Comments
Added comment from state Sen. Becca Rausch
By adamg
Wed, 10/20/2021 - 2:27pm
A Northeastern Law graduate who is not happy with how long it took Aoun to say something.
Timeline?
By brianjdamico
Wed, 10/20/2021 - 2:54pm
When did the act occur?
Aoun's statement, which was published mid-morning today, indicated that he learned of the incident yesterday. There's 24 hours in a day, so by the time the statement was out, he could not have been aware for more than what, 34 or so hours? If he found out at 9pm last night, should a statement have been drafted and sent out in the middle of the night?
These acts are despicable and absolutely must be called out, and in a timely manner. I just haven't seen enough information to tell me it wasn't acknowledged in a reasonable amount of time.
I certainly hope
By ScottB
Thu, 10/21/2021 - 1:26am
Rausch is equally quick to call out anti-Semitism when it comes from colleagues within her own party.
Probably not quick enough...
By lbb
Thu, 10/21/2021 - 10:15am
...to satisfy someone who conflates antisemitism with failure to unconditionally support Israel.
There's a vast gulf
By ScottB
Thu, 10/21/2021 - 12:09pm
Between unconditional support for Israel and conflating it with the Taliban or Hamas.
Not to mention perpetuating anti-Semitic tropes about Jews and money.
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