Jewish Faculty Targeted at University of Rochester with “Wanted” Posters in Horrifying Display of Anti-Semitism

Jewish Faculty Targeted at University of Rochester with “Wanted” Posters in Horrifying Display of Anti-Semitism

By: Fern Sidman

In a deeply troubling incident at the University of Rochester, hundreds of posters depicting Jewish faculty members as “wanted” appeared across campus on Sunday night, an act university officials have condemned as anti-Semitic and disturbing. According to a report that appeared on Wednesday on CNN, the posters specifically criticized faculty members for their purported responses to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, with accusations that range from “ethnic cleansing” and the “displacement of Palestinians” to “racism,” “hate speech,” and intimidation.

Disgusted to see news of “Wanted” posters targeting Jewish faculty and staff sprawled across the University of Rochester campus. This brazen act of antisemitism warrants swift punishment for all responsible. We cannot allow college campuses to continue to become breeding grounds… pic.twitter.com/LxMwaLWJGz

— Mark Svensson (@MarkSvensson) November 12, 2024

University of Rochester President Sarah Mangelsdorf, in a statement to CNN, emphasized that this kind of hateful behavior would not be tolerated. “This act is disturbing, divisive and intimidating and runs counter to our values as a university,” Mangelsdorf said. CNN reported that the posters drew widespread condemnation from various campus groups and prompted the university’s Department of Public Safety to launch an investigation into the incident. The department has already removed the posters, though they noted that the strong adhesive used caused damage to several surfaces around campus.

The CNN report indicated that Gregory Heyworth, an associate professor of English and computer science and one of the targeted faculty members, expressed appreciation for the administration’s support and President Mangelsdorf’s firm denouncement of the posters’ anti-Semitic undertones. In an email to CNN, Heyworth noted the disturbing hypocrisy of the vandals, who he said “push the boundaries of anti-democratic behavior and infringe on free speech” while hypocritically relying on democratic values to shield their actions. The professor stated that one of the posters accused him of “threatening to dox” students who were protesting, which he called ironic since the posters themselves crossed the line by essentially doxing faculty members.

Hundreds of ‘wanted’ posters at University of Rochester accuse Jewish faculty members of supporting ‘ethnic cleansing’ https://t.co/7GUmK5fgFZ pic.twitter.com/DSNcPhXgNw

— New York Post (@nypost) November 13, 2024

As the CNN report details, the atmosphere on college campuses across the United States has become increasingly tense since the onset of the recent conflict in Gaza, with statements from students, faculty, and administrators sparking heated reactions. The University of Rochester incident reflects broader divisions exacerbated by the crisis, particularly as Israel’s war on Hamas in Gaza has intensified, triggering widespread advocacy both in support of Israel and of the Palestinians, many calling for an immediate ceasefire.

The University of Rochester’s Hillel organization, which represents Jewish students on campus, described the posters as “deeply disturbing” in a statement to CNN. Hillel indicated that several Jewish faculty and staff, including its own director, were targeted, though no students were named on the posters. In its statement, Hillel highlighted the need for the university to use this event as a catalyst to foster more profound and impactful education on Jewish history and anti-Semitism. “This incident is a chance for the University to reflect on what is needed to instill meaningful education about Jewish Peoplehood and antisemitism, so that UR is a place where Jewish life can fully and safely thrive,” the organization stated.

BREAKING: The pro-Hamas students and faculty plastered the University of Rochester with wanted posters of Jewish faculty.

These faculty were not Israeli, they were Jewish. This is textbook antisemitism. Reform has never been more needed at American universities. pic.twitter.com/jdMzlHEAr7

— Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) November 12, 2024

The CNN report noted that this is not the first time antisemitic acts have occurred at the University of Rochester. In February of this year, swastikas and other antisemitic graffiti were discovered on the walls of the River Campus tunnel, a space commonly used by students to share information about campus events and highlight the university’s diverse culture. According to a news release from the university, the Department of Public Safety promptly removed these symbols, which were described by university officials as harmful and disturbing.

For many Jewish students at the university, the recurrence of antisemitic incidents has created a persistent sense of unease. Speaking with CNN, one Jewish student expressed exhaustion, saying, “I’m just tired. It’s been a long year, and I want peace desperately, but doing things like this—targeting faculty, administration, and staff to intimidate them and spread hate—is wrong.” The student, who chose to remain anonymous out of fear of retribution, described the emotional toll these incidents have taken. “Yesterday we were scared and worried,” they added. “Today we work towards understanding and peace.”

Another Jewish student, also choosing to remain anonymous for fear of backlash, told CNN they were shocked to discover the posters around 10 p.m. on Sunday night. “When I first saw this, I was horrified and upset,” they said, reflecting the visceral impact that these displays of hatred have had on Jewish students and faculty alike.

University of Rochester, New York.

Pro-Palestine Students made “Wanted” poster of Faculty members that are Jewish.

This is a Nazi movement. pic.twitter.com/l75TsdAty0

— Kosher🎗🧡 (@koshercockney) November 13, 2024

The University of Rochester’s Department of Public Safety has been proactive in addressing the physical damage caused by the posters, which were affixed with a particularly strong adhesive that left residue and even damaged walls, floors, chalkboards, and other surfaces. Public Safety Chief Quchee Collins emphasized to CNN that the process of removing the posters was painstaking due to the adhesive, underscoring the deliberate nature of the vandalism.

NEW: The University of Rochester is investigating vandalism after hundreds of intimidating wanted posters targeting Jewish faculty and staff were glued to walls on campus. pic.twitter.com/miNGPVNP3R

— Steve McGuire (@sfmcguire79) November 12, 2024

The recent antisemitic posters reflect an escalation in tensions on U.S. college campuses, particularly amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Since the outbreak of violence on October 7, 2023, campuses across the United States have witnessed heated debates and even violent confrontations as students and faculty voice their opinions on the conflict. According to the CNN report, these debates have often polarized campus communities, as advocates for both Palestinian and Israeli causes seek to make their voices heard. The University of Rochester is now grappling with how to manage these divisions while ensuring the safety and well-being of all students and faculty.