In the midst of ongoing protests at Columbia University denouncing the war in Gaza and demanding divestment from Israel, Rabbi Elie Buechler, associated with the Orthodox Union Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus, has recommended that Jewish students "return home as soon as possible and remain home." His message, sent via WhatsApp to a group of approximately 300 mostly Orthodox Jewish students, came ahead of the Passover holiday.

Rabbi Buechler expressed concerns about the safety of Jewish students on campus, stating that recent events have made it clear that Columbia University's Public Safety and the NYPD cannot guarantee their well-being. Videos circulating on social media captured a man outside the university making threatening statements. However, it is unclear if this individual was affiliated with the university.

The message from the rabbi advising students to return home contrasts with the stance taken by the campus Hillel, which stated that they do not believe Jewish students should leave the campus. The campus Hillel released a statement emphasizing the need for Columbia University and the City of New York to do more to protect students and restore calm to the campus.

Meanwhile, student protests on campus and outside the campus gates continue, with groups like Columbia University Apartheid Divest advocating for divestment from companies allegedly involved in Israeli apartheid and military occupation. The encampment, jointly organized by various student-led coalitions including Columbia University Apartheid Divest, Students for Justice in Palestine, and Jewish Voice for Peace, aims to protest the university's financial investments in such corporations.

The demonstrations at Columbia University have gained attention and solidarity rallies at other universities, including Yale, Harvard, the University of North Carolina, and Boston University. These protests come as the death toll in Gaza continues to rise, with the enclave's health ministry reporting that at least 34,097 Palestinians have been killed and 76,980 injured since October, following an initial attack by Hamas.

In response to the protests and arrests of students, the university's president sought the intervention of the NYPD, leading to over 100 arrests. The students arrested claimed they were peaceful and non-resistant in expressing their views.

Columbia University has acknowledged the concerns raised by Jewish students and has affirmed that the safety of its community is a top priority. The university spokesperson stated that they are providing additional support and resources to ensure students' well-being.

CNN has reached out to Columbia University and the university's Advisory Committee on Socially Responsible Investing for further information on their investments and for comment on the allegations made by protest organizers.

The situation at Columbia University remains tense, with students camping out on the school's lawns, interfaith prayers being held, and a Passover Seder scheduled to take place at the Gaza Solidarity Encampment. The campus rabbi has assured students that the university's Center for Jewish Student Life is open and welcoming.

As the university strives to address the concerns of its students and ensure their safety, the ongoing protests and calls for divestment from Israel continue to stir conversations about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on campuses and beyond.