In a disturbing incident captured on video, an anti-Israel protester was caught on camera hurling offensive remarks towards opposing demonstrators near Columbia University in Upper Manhattan. The incident highlights concerns over rising anti-Semitism and the safety of Jewish students on campus.

The video shows a protester, dressed in a bright yellow jacket, black baseball cap, and black face mask, waving the Palestinian flag in front of demonstrators carrying an Israeli flag. Shouting hateful comments, the protester is heard yelling, "Go back to Poland!" and "Go back to Belarus!" The tense confrontation took place outside a gate to Columbia University's campus on Amsterdam Avenue.

As tensions escalated, the anti-Israel demonstrators continued their protests later that night, chanting, blowing whistles, banging on drums, and lighting green and red flares outside the gate. The disturbing scene prompted Rabbi Elie Buechler to urge Jewish students on Sunday morning to return home, expressing doubts about the ability of campus law enforcement and the NYPD to ensure their safety amidst the rise of anti-Semitism.

"It deeply pains me to say that I would strongly recommend you return home as soon as possible and remain home until the reality in and around campus has dramatically improved," Rabbi Buechler said over WhatsApp. He emphasized that it should not be the responsibility of Jewish students to ensure their own safety while attending school.

Witnesses at the scene reported that Jewish students who gathered on campus Saturday night to protest against anti-Semitism were met with hate speech and threats of violence. They carried Israeli flags and sang "One Day," a song of peace by reggae singer and rapper Matisyahu.

These protests came on the heels of a congressional hearing held earlier in the week with Columbia University President Minouche Shafik, who discussed the university's response to rising anti-Semitism.

The incident near Columbia University highlights an alarming trend, with incidents of anti-Semitism and hate speech becoming more prevalent in academic environments. It raises concerns about the safety and well-being of Jewish students and the need for universities to address and combat this rising hatred.

As the matter gains attention, the university administration and law enforcement agencies will face increasing pressure to take swift and decisive action to protect the rights of all students and ensure a safe and inclusive campus environment.