Ithaca College

It has come to our attention that two weekends ago, two businesses in Ithaca, Moosewood Restaurant and Sunny Days of Ithaca, were vandalized with various anti-Semitic and racist posters and graffiti. This is the second of two occurrences, the first of which took place only a week prior at a local chiropractor’s office in downtown Ithaca. Both the owners of Sunny Days and the aforementioned chiropractor’s office are Jewish.

As an organization dedicated to providing equity, equality, and protection to Jewish students at Ithaca College and Jewish resources in our local community, the Jewish Student Union (JSU) at Ithaca College unequivocally condemns these acts of hatred and intolerance. The signs and words displayed on the various stores symbolize egregious ideas that are founded in hate, discrimination, and divisiness.

Sadly, these events took place near the anniversary date of the attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that occurred on October 27th, 2018. Though the recent attacks did not include any forms of physical bodily harm, both depict the evil, socially-targeted hatred that must be met with education, justice, and allyship.

In an effort to respond to these events and further educate both Jewish and non-Jewish community members about Jewish advocacy and allyship, the Jewish Student Union will be hosting the Pro-Semitism Series throughout November and December. To learn more about these events and RSVP, those interested should click here.

Should any student, staff, or faculty member need peer-support at this time or want to be connected with Jewish clergy, they should feel free to reach out to us at JSU@ithaca.edu.

In Solidarity,

The Jewish Student Union Executive Board

Jordan Stecker, President

Jason Monachello, Vice President of Religious Advocacy and Affairs

Julia Young, Vice President of Development and Engagement

Nicole Osofsky, Vice President of Marketing and Outreach