Cornell University has made the decision to cancel classes on Friday, citing the "extraordinary stress" caused by a series of antisemitic threats posted on an online discussion board earlier this week. The threats included the address of the Cornell University Jewish center, violent threats against the center itself, and specific threats targeting the kosher dining hall, which was subsequently closed as a precautionary measure.

In response to the unsettling situation, Cornell's vice president for student and campus life, Michael Kotlikoff, and vice president and chief human resources officer, Christine Lovely, notified community members at the Ithaca and Geneva campuses via email about the cancellation of classes. The announcement stated that faculty and staff, excluding those providing essential services, will also be excused from work during this time. The goal is to allow individuals to take the necessary time to care for themselves and reflect on fostering a caring and supportive community.

Reports indicate that several professors had already offered Zoom class options and messages of support to students earlier in the week, demonstrating solidarity and a commitment to maintaining a positive learning environment amidst the challenging circumstances.

Following the threats, law enforcement authorities were dispatched to Cornell's Center for Jewish Living. New York Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed that a person of interest was later apprehended, revealing that the individual is a Cornell student now facing criminal charges. The suspect is currently being held by the New York State Police for questioning.

In a message to students, Cornell President Martha Pollack acknowledged that the threats were "unsubstantiated" but emphasized their potential impact on the campus community, adding to the existing stress. To address concerns, Cornell Police will continue to have an increased presence on campus. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is also involved in the investigation, as the threats are being treated as a potential hate crime.

These incidents of antisemitic threats come as part of a disturbing rise in antisemitic incidents worldwide, particularly since the recent conflict between Hamas and Israel. The Anti-Defamation League reported a sharp increase of 388 percent in antisemitic incidents in the two-week period following the conflict. This surge in incidents has heightened tensions on college campuses across the United States, with some students advocating for a cease-fire to aid Palestinian civilians, while others accuse school leaders of not denouncing the Hamas attacks forcefully enough.

The Hill reached out to Cornell University for further comment on the situation. As investigations continue, it is hoped that steps will be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the Cornell community, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all.