In a significant shift, all graduates from Ramaz, an elite Jewish high school on New York's Upper East Side, have chosen not to enroll in Columbia College this year. This marks the first time in over two decades that the prestigious high school hasn't sent a single student to Columbia's premier liberal arts college, as reported by the New York Post.
Ramaz confirmed in a statement that while one student will attend Columbia's School of General Studies and three will enroll at the affiliated Barnard College, none will enter Columbia College. The school cited the "horrific rise in antisemitic instances" at some universities as a factor in providing information to students and families making college decisions.
This development comes amid ongoing tensions at Columbia University. The institution has faced tumultuous anti-Israel protests, some turning destructive, in the wake of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza. Recent events include the resignation of Columbia's president, Minouche Shafik, and three deans following controversial remarks about Jewish students' concerns.
Rory Lancman, a Jewish civil rights activist and Columbia Law School graduate, stated he would not recommend Jewish students apply to or attend Columbia currently due to antisemitism concerns. "Jewish families are voting with their feet," Lancman said, emphasizing the need for colleges to take antisemitism seriously.
Columbia University declined to comment on the situation.
