Two Jewish students at DePaul University in Chicago were targeted by masked attackers on Wednesday while visibly showing their support for Israel. The assailants struck one victim in the face and body and pushed the other to the ground before fleeing the scene. Both victims, men in their 20s, declined emergency medical aid following the assault.
University President Robert L. Manuel expressed outrage over the incident, stating that it was completely unacceptable and a violation of DePaul's values to uphold and care for the dignity of every individual. The university is actively collaborating with the Chicago Police Department to investigate the attack and determine whether it should be classified as a hate crime targeting the students due to their Jewish identity.
Chicago police have classified the incident as simple battery as the investigation continues. The details of how the victims were showing support for Israel were not immediately clear. This incident occurred amidst ongoing tensions in the Middle East, particularly with Israel's conflict with Hamas in Gaza, which has led to a severe humanitarian crisis and global advocacy from both Israeli and Palestinian supporters.
Notably, this incident follows a recent alleged hate crime in West Rogers Park, where a suspect was charged in an attack on a Jewish man en route to a synagogue. Threats against Jews in the United States have reportedly tripled in the year following the terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas, according to preliminary data from the Anti-Defamation League.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations also reported a record number of anti-Muslim bias incidents in 2023. President Manuel reiterated the university's commitment to holding those responsible for the attack on the Jewish students accountable and ensuring justice is served.
