Jewish symbols vandalized, ripped off doors at Northeastern, Tufts

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.