In response to the alarming increase in reported antisemitic incidents on American college campuses since the Israel-Hamas war began, the White House has announced a series of actions to tackle this concerning phenomenon. The move comes after anonymous antisemitic posts on a Greek life website threatened violence against Jewish students at Cornell University, sparking outrage and calls for action.

US Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, a prominent figure in the administration's fight against antisemitism, convened a meeting with executives from major American Jewish organizations at the Education Department. Joined by Education Secretary Miguel Cardona and US antisemitism envoy Deborah Lipstadt, Emhoff emphasized the need to address the disturbing pattern of antisemitic threats and violence on school and college campuses.

During the meeting, Emhoff and Cardona unequivocally condemned antisemitism and all forms of hate, while reaffirming the administration's support for Israel's right to defend itself against terrorism. The White House described the discussions as an opportunity for top Biden officials to hear from Jewish leaders directly and gain insight into the challenges faced by Jewish students.

In a further demonstration of their commitment, Cardona and White House domestic policy czar Neera Tanden will visit a university campus later this week to hold a roundtable with Jewish students. Meanwhile, the Education Department plans to conduct visits to schools in New York City and Baltimore to address and learn about the issue of antisemitism on college campuses.

The White House highlighted its efforts to engage local law enforcement in combating antisemitism by including campus police in meetings with the Justice and Homeland Security Departments. The Justice Department's Community Relations Service will continue to provide support on college campuses and maintain dialogue with impacted communities, including Jewish, Muslim, and Arab groups. Additionally, the Homeland Security Department has assigned cybersecurity experts to engage with colleges across the country to address campus antisemitism.

In a separate initiative, the Biden administration expedited its campaign against antisemitism launched last year, which instructs federal officials to include antisemitism and other forms of religious bigotry as prohibited under civil rights law. This move ensures that Jewish groups cannot be subjected to discrimination in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

Last week, the White House condemned the "grotesque" and "antisemitic" actions of students protesting against Israel on American college campuses. Previously, the administration emphasized the importance of peaceful protests while also prioritizing the safety and security of Arab, Jewish, and Muslim Americans. However, recent incidents across the country have prompted a stronger response from the White House.

As the rise in antisemitic incidents continues to be a global concern, governments, law enforcement, and community groups worldwide have reported a significant increase in antisemitic incidents and rhetoric. Violent incidents and attacks on Jewish sites have been observed in various parts of the world. The Biden administration remains deeply concerned about these developments and is actively addressing the issue both domestically and internationally.

The White House's commitment to combat campus antisemitism is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and well-being of Jewish students across the country. By engaging with Jewish leaders, educational institutions, and law enforcement, the administration aims to create a more inclusive and secure environment on college campuses.