As a resident of western New York State, I'm relieved that you enjoyed your Cornell experience, and that you found the environment unthreatening as a Jew. Unfortunately, as they may have told you, things have not always been so pleasant lately. There was an ugly incident soon after October 7, 2023, where a student was arrested and charged for posting a series of antisemitic online threats against Cornell's Jewish community, and specifically, the Center for Jewish Living. More recently, the university set up an antisemitism "task force" and has taken disciplinary actions against some pro-Palestinian students. Cornell is indeed a beautiful and special place, and I hope things can remain safe and under control there.
As a resident of western New York State, I'm relieved that you enjoyed your Cornell experience, and that you found the environment unthreatening as a Jew. Unfortunately, as they may have told you, things have not always been so pleasant lately. There was an ugly incident soon after October 7, 2023, where a student was arrested and charged for posting a series of antisemitic online threats against Cornell's Jewish community, and specifically, the Center for Jewish Living. More recently, the university set up an antisemitism "task force" and has taken disciplinary actions against some pro-Palestinian students. Cornell is indeed a beautiful and special place, and I hope things can remain safe and under control there.
Charming essay--so nice to read something positive involving Jews, Israel, and our Jewish young people. Glad you had a good time.
Did you visit the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Sapsucker Woods…? It’s truly amazing.