Shai Davidai

Threatened with Death and Abandoned by Columbia: Professor Shai Davidai speaks out | WATCH

Once a vocal critic of Israeli policies, Shai Davidai found himself thrust into the role of Israel's unlikely defender on Columbia's campus. He has subsequently received death threats for his advocacy.

Professor Shai Davidai (Photo: Screenshot from Instagram)

In the wake of the October 7th, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas, an unexpected voice emerged as a passionate defender of Israel: Shai Davidai.

Davidai was enjoying life as a husband, father and assistant professor at Columbia University's Business School. An Israeli-American academic, he had long been recognized for his critical stance towards Israeli policies. As a self-described "committed left-wing Israeli," he was no stranger to demonstrating against government decisions.

However, the events of October 7th and the subsequent reactions he witnessed on college campuses, particularly at Columbia University, compelled him to speak out in a way few had anticipated.

The atmosphere Davidai encountered at Columbia in the aftermath of the attack deeply troubled him. He particularly took issue with the administration's failure to denounce pro-Palestinian student organizations, which he labeled as "pro-terrorist."

Davidai's outspoken advocacy has not only drawn attention but also resulted in alarming incidents.

In a recent shocking development, an imam from Utica, New York, named Tom Facchine, called to "take out" Davidai during a webinar titled "Islamic Political Activism," hosted by the Columbia University branch of Students for Justice in Palestine.

"If you're able to take out somebody like that and make an example, that might shut up a hundred more," Facchine said during the online event. The video of his remarks was later removed from Instagram and permanently banned from the platform. Facchine, who has had a complex religious and ideological journey, also questioned how to get Davidai "in trouble" or create a situation where he's "in jeopardy."

In response to these threats, Columbia University initiated an investigation, enlisting outside security experts. Despite the alarming nature of the comments, the university's vice president of public safety, Gerald Lewis, stated that the investigation concluded Facchine's rhetoric "did not create conditions that require enhanced security measures."

Undeterred by the threats, Davidai remains resolute in his stance. "I will not be silenced—I know I'm speaking the truth," he declared in response to the imam's remarks. "It feels like they put a target on my back with the explicit goal to take me down, to get me fired, to make up complaints about me."

* Yeshiva World News contributed to this article.

0 Comments

Do not send comments that include inflammatory words, defamation, and content that exceeds the limit of good taste.

A tsadik returns to his creator

Tragic Farewell: The Admor Rabbi Aharon Ze’ev Malik zt”l Passes Away

Avi Nachmani | 09:36

AOC vs. AIPAC

AOC blames Jews for Democrats' loss

Avi Nachmani | 19.11.24

When a Jew turns against Israel

Arms embargo looms: Sanders and senators target Israel before Trump era begins

Avi Nachmani | 19.11.24

Orthodox Jews are huge Trump fans

Survey shows 75% of Orthodox voters supported Trump, but most Jews stay blue 

Avi Nachmani | 18.11.24

Oldest shul is in a Greek city now in Russia

World’s oldest synagogue unearthed in southern Russia

Avi Nachmani | 17.11.24

Irish church leader uses Nazi language re Jews

Irish president attends service with controversial anti-Israel sermon 

Avi Nachmani | 17.11.24

Canadian group calls Sinwar "Our Mandela"

Controversial vigil for Yahya Sinwar canceled in Toronto area 

Avi Nachmani | 17.11.24

Another day, another attack on Jews

Jewish mother attacked outside Toronto preschool

Avi Nachmani | 16.11.24

Teen terrorists in the making

Canada uncovers teens' bomb plot against pro-Israel rally

Avi Nachmani | 14.11.24

Anti-Semitism runs wild, this time in London

"Bomb the Jews" death threats target Jewish youth netball team in London

Avi Nachmani | 13.11.24

Jew-hatred continues at US universities

Outrage at SUNY Downstate: Jewish doctors condemn "blood libel" panel on Israel

Avi Nachmani | 13.11.24

New trend in Europe - soccer with Jew-bashing

Jewish soccer players attacked in Berlin

1
| Avi Nachmani | 12.11.24

It's open season on the Jews in Europe

Teens in Belgium attack Jewish youth, claiming to "Free Palestine"

Avi Nachmani | 11.11.24

Tensions mount prior to France-Israel match

Pro-Israel rally to take place in Paris ahead of France-Israel match

Avi Nachmani | 11.11.24
Get JFeed App
Download on the App Store
Get it on Google Play