Livewire: Janitors at Columbia University File Lawsuit Against Anti-Israel Agitators For Assault and Alleged Antisemitism
Ivy janitors counter hateful group in 'Antisemitism Exposed' Newsletter's attacks
Hey there! Eric Shawn here, bringing you the latest from our Antisemitism Unveiled newsletter. Today's edition is all about the escalating anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world. Let's dive in!
In the Spotlight:
- Columbia's Dark Night: Two janitors of Columbia University have taken a legal stand against more than 40 Anti-Israel demonstrators, who allegedly assaulted, kidnapped, and hurled antisemitic slurs at them during an occupation of Hamilton Hall in April 2024. The whistleblowers, Mariano Torres and Lester Wilson, filed a lawsuit at the Southern District of New York on April 26–29, 2025 (depending on the source)[1][3].
Top Stories:
- The Columbia Showdown: The lawsuit accuses the Anti-Israel protestors of a coordinated plan involving reconnaissance maps, barricading supplies, and verbal abuse such as "Jew-lovers" and "Zionists"[1][2]. This ordeal has left the janitors with PTSD, forcing them to rely on Workers' Compensation payments that barely cover their mounting medical bills[2]. Unfortunately, the University has yet to respond to the lawsuit. The case is currently active in the Southern District of New York[1][3].
Hip-Hop's Jewish Dilemma:
Change is in the air as Irish hip-hop group Kneecap finds itself in the midst of controversy after being criticized by the wife of a legendary rock star for making calls to "free Palestine" and "F--- Israel" during a performance at Coachella 2024. The band also made references to genocide and slammed the U.S. military's support of Israel[4].
The Heat is On:
Former Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff recently lashed out at the Trump administration, accusing them of politicizing the Holocaust and disregarding the memory of the six million Jews who were murdered. This comes after Emhoff was removed from the United States Holocaust Memorial Council[4].
The Fearless Fighter:
Romi Gonen, a former Hamas hostage held in the tunnels under Gaza for 471 days, shares his heart-wrenching ordeal, ongoing recovery, and fervent hope that President Trump can help free the remaining hostages.
Making a Stand:
A federal judge has ordered the release of a man who helped orchestrate riots and protests at Columbia University, despite ICE's efforts to detain him earlier this month in Vermont. The man, Mohsen Mahdawi, defiantly declared to President Donald Trump, "I'm not afraid of you," as he left the courthouse.
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Sources:
- [Source1]
- [Source2]
- [Source3]
- [Source4]
This article was written by our staff.
- The lawsuit against the Anti-Israel demonstrators at Columbia University, allegedly involving assault, kidnapping, and antisemitic slurs, has highlighted the ongoing issue of anti-Jewish prejudice in politics and general-news.
- In the Top Stories section, it's revealed that Mariano Torres and Lester Wilson, the janitors filing the lawsuit against the Anti-Israel protestors, have been left with PTSD and are relying on Workers' Compensation due to the ordeal in April 2024.
- The controversy surrounding Irish hip-hop group Kneecap, after they were accused of making calls to "free Palestine" and "F--- Israel" during a performance at Coachella 2024, points to an ongoing issue of antisemitism in the entertainment industry and politics.
- Former Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff's recent criticism of the Trump administration for politicizing the Holocaust and disregarding the memory of the six million Jews who were murdered underscores the importance of addressing antisemitism in politics and crime-and-justice.
- The release of Mohsen Mahdawi, the man who helped orchestrate riots and protests at Columbia University, despite ICE's efforts to detain him, serves as an example of the ongoing battles between students, politics, and crime-and-justice on college campuses.
