NYU Spokesperson John Beckman issued a statement on Thursday condemning Betar USA, a Zionist organization, for allegedly making "threatening social media posts" and engaging in "acts of violence and vandalism."
“The University condemns the recent threatening social media posts by an account associated with Betar USA - which is not a recognized NYU organization - directed at members of the NYU community. We also condemn the acts of violence and vandalism apparently conducted previously by Betar at the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World (ISAW),” Beckman stated.
He emphasized NYU’s zero-tolerance policy toward violence and threats, adding, “Threats and invocations of violence have no place on NYU’s campus or in our political discourse. We take these matters seriously, have increased our security precautions at ISAW, and have referred these matters to law enforcement.”
In response, World Betar Movement CEO Yigal Brand sent a letter to NYU President Linda G. Mills, expressing outrage at NYU’s actions against Jewish students. Brand called on NYU to expel Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and other organizations that, in his words, “condone and support Hezbollah and Hamas terror organizations.”
He further stated, “SJP has shown through its actions that it supports terror and violence against Jewish students,” and echoed Columbia professor Shai Davidai’s labeling of SJP as a “modern-day Hitler Youth.” Brand concluded by warning President Mills, “Your decision to not take action to protect the health and safety of Jewish students will lead to violence. You will be held responsible.”