2 Jewish students punched while showing support for Israel at DePaul University, school says
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Two Jewish students were physically attacked at DePaul University Wednesday afternoon, the university said.
Police have classified the incident as a hate crime and have released a community alert.
DePaul University President Robert L. Manuel said in a letter to the community that the attack occurred around 3:20 p.m. Wednesday in front of the Student Center on the Lincoln Park Campus at 2250 N. Sheffield Ave. Masked attackers punched the students as they "visibly" showed support for Israel, Manuel wrote.
Police said the attackers made antisemitic remarks before striking the students.
It was later learned that the students were a former IDF soldier currently in reserve and one of the executive leaders of the Students Standing with Israel at DePaul.
The Chicago Jewish Alliance said students will often stand outside the student center with a sign that reads, "Come talk about Israel with an IDF soldier." Their goal is to have an open, direct dialogue about what is happening in the Middle East from someone who has been to Gaza and to Israel.
DePaul student Adrian Smith said the attack was uncalled for and things "have to get better."
"It shouldn't happen. It shouldn't get to the point of violence as the answer at all, and I think we have to be better than that, honestly. We just have to be better than that as a campus, as a school, as a people, and as a country as well," he said.
The two students suffered physical injuries but declined medical treatment, Manuel further wrote.
"We are outraged that this occurred on our campus. It is completely unacceptable and a violation of DePaul's values to uphold and care for the dignity of every individual," Manuel wrote. "The university is actively working with the Chicago Police Department to investigate this incident so that they can determine whether to classify it as a hate crime that targeted our students because of their Jewish identity. We will do all we can to hold those responsible accountable for this outrageous incident."
Manuel also emphasized that DePaul will do everything possible to ensure that the university is a safe and welcoming place for its whole community.
"We recognize that for a significant portion of our Jewish community, Israel is a core part of their Jewish identity. Those students – and every student - should feel safe on our university campus," Manuel wrote. "Our shared expectations and guiding principles make it clear that DePaul will not tolerate any acts of hatred or violence."
The attackers are both described as men around 20 years old.
One stands 5 feet 8 to 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 150 to 170 pounds. He has a full beard and short, dark hair with shaved sides, and was last seen wearing a black T-shirt, black pants, and black shoes.
The other stands 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall and also weights 150 to 170 pounds. He was last seen with a black balaclava covering his face, a white T-shirt, and khaki pants.
Police released surveillance images Thursday night.
Anyone with information on the attack is encouraged to contact DePaul Public Safety, or call Belmont Area detectives at 312-744-8261.
Those with information can also give an anonymous tip to CPDTIP.com, and should use reference #JH497856.
DePaul was among the universities that saw pro-Palestinian protesters camp out there for weeks, speaking out against the war in Gaza. Additionally, there were protests at Northwestern University and the University of Chicago.
The incident at DePaul was one of two antisemitic incidents reported in Chicago within a few hours Wednesday. Chicago Police said they were called Wednesday evening to the Chicago Loop Synagogue, 16 S. Clark St. Members of the Jewish community were gathered there for a speaker, and said dozens of protesters harassed them as they entered the place of worship.
Some protesters even entered and then vandalized the synagogue.
The Chicago Police Department said two people were arrested for criminal trespass. One was also charged with damage to property.