According to a letter from the school’s president, two Jewish students were attacked by masked assailants on the campus of DePaul University in Chicago on Wednesday afternoon.
The incident occurred in front of the Student Center on the Lincoln Park campus around 3:20 p.m., leading to a public safety alert for faculty, staff, and students, as stated by Robert Manuel.
“I am shocked to report that the attack targeted two Jewish students at DePaul who were openly showing their support for Israel,” Manuel said.
The two students were assaulted by the attackers but refused medical treatment for their injuries.
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Two Jewish students at DePaul University were punched by masked attackers on campus Wednesday afternoon while “visibly showing support for Israel,” according to the university president. (Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images)
“We are deeply disturbed that this took place on our campus. It is entirely unacceptable and goes against DePaul’s principles of respecting and protecting the dignity of every individual,” Manuel expressed.
The university is providing assistance and support to the students and collaborating with the Chicago police to determine if the attack qualifies as a hate crime.
“We will pursue all avenues to hold those accountable for this despicable incident,” he added.
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After the attack, DePaul affirmed its commitment to ensuring a “safe and inclusive” environment for all members of its “diverse university community.”
“We understand that Israel is a significant part of the Jewish identity for many in our Jewish community,” Manuel stated. “Those students – along with all students – should feel secure on our campus. Our shared values and principles make it clear that DePaul will not tolerate any form of hatred or violence.”
Pro-Israeli protesters at DePaul University’s Lincoln Park campus in Chicago sparred with pro-Palestinian protesters during a two-week encampment on campus during May. (ALEX WROBLEWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
Anyone with information about the attack – or facing any form of threat or violence – can contact Public Safety at 773-325-7777 (Lincoln Park) or 312-362-8400 (Loop).
“Rest assured that the safety and well-being of our university community remains our top priority,” Manuel concluded.
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DePaul University was one of several schools in the U.S. that experienced highly active pro-Palestinian demonstrations earlier this year.
Police dismantled an anti-Israel encampment at DePaul on May 16 after the university cited several threats during its two weeks as an active demonstration site. (WFLD)
Chicago police officers removed an anti-Israel encampment from the university’s quad on May 16 following over two weeks of protests that resulted in the closure of all green spaces.
