Stanford Investigates Antisemitic Emails Targeting Jewish Students

University increases security as FBI probes threats against campus Jewish community leaders.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Stanford University is working with the FBI and local law enforcement to investigate a series of antisemitic emails sent over the weekend to members of the campus Jewish community, including leaders of the Stanford Hillel organization. The messages accused Jewish students of conspiratorial wrongdoing and threatened to 'monitor' their behavior, prompting the university to increase security as the investigation continues.

Why it matters

The incident reflects a broader trend of rising antisemitism both nationally and internationally, with the Stanford Hillel director noting a 'steep increase' in such incidents since October 2023 when the ongoing conflict in Gaza began. The university's response highlights the challenges campuses face in addressing targeted harassment and threats against minority student groups.

The details

The emails were sent to seven members of Stanford Hillel leadership and other Jewish leaders, as well as to the Stanford Daily's editor-in-chief and chief operating officer, and the Stanford University Department of Public Safety. The messages accused Jewish community members of conspiratorial wrongdoing and threatened a program to 'monitor' their behavior. A second email alleged 'acute credible threats against the personal safety of Jewish Stanford undergraduate and graduate students.' The authors of the emails claimed to be part of a Europe-based 'watchdog' group composed of Stanford alumni, though these claims have not been independently verified.

  • The antisemitic emails were sent over the weekend of March 1-2, 2026.

The players

Patrick Dunkley

Vice Provost for Institutional Access, Equity and Community at Stanford University.

Jessica Kirschner

Hillel Executive Director and Senior Rabbi at Stanford University.

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What they’re saying

“The university strongly condemns the targeting of our Jewish community in this manner. The security and well-being of our campus is our top priority, and we are following up with the affected individuals to provide all necessary support.”

— Patrick Dunkley, Vice Provost for Institutional Access, Equity and Community

“As much as we might think Stanford is a bubble, this follows national and international trends of increasing antisemitism. No one should do this to other people, and no one should have to receive it.”

— Jessica Kirschner, Hillel Executive Director and Senior Rabbi

What’s next

Stanford said Purim celebrations will proceed this week with additional security in place as the investigation continues.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges universities face in addressing targeted harassment and threats against minority student groups, as antisemitism continues to rise both nationally and globally. Stanford's response underscores the importance of campus communities working closely with law enforcement to protect the safety and well-being of all students.