Columbia Professors Accused of Spreading Antisemitism

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik's new book 'Poisoned Ivies' shines a light on anti-Jewish bias at the university

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:19pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty university lecture hall, with warm sunlight streaming in through the windows and deep shadows enveloping the room, conveying a sense of melancholy and decay.As tensions over academic freedom and anti-Semitism escalate at elite universities, a sense of moral decay and ideological groupthink casts a long shadow over the ivory tower.NYC Today

In her upcoming book 'Poisoned Ivies,' Congresswoman Elise Stefanik explores how elite universities like Columbia have become plagued by far-left indoctrination, abandonment of viewpoint diversity, and a moral rot fueled by professors spreading anti-Jewish bias. Stefanik shines a light on a group of Columbia professors, including Mahmood Mamdani - the father of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani - who have long histories of antisemitic statements and support for terrorist groups like Hamas.

Why it matters

The problem of anti-Jewish bias and abuse of Jewish and pro-Israel students at Columbia University is long-standing, with certain departments and fields of study becoming havens for antisemitism. This raises concerns about the ability of Jewish and pro-Israel students to feel safe and welcome on the campus of one of the country's most prestigious universities.

The details

Professors like Joseph Massad, Hamid Dabashi, and Mahmood Mamdani have made numerous antisemitic statements over the years, including praising Hamas's 'resistance,' calling Zionism a 'genocidal cult,' and claiming Israel is committing 'genocide' in Gaza. Meanwhile, pro-Israel professors like Shai Davidai who have spoken out against the anti-Jewish sentiment on campus have faced investigation and suspension by the university administration.

  • On October 8, 2023, just 24 hours after Hamas launched terrorist attacks on Israel, Massad published an op-ed celebrating the group's 'resistance'.
  • In December 2023, the House Education committee held hearings on campus antisemitism in the wake of the Hamas attacks, questioning university presidents including Columbia's.
  • In April 2024, anti-Israel student protesters set up an encampment on the grounds of Columbia's campus.

The players

Joseph Massad

Professor of modern Arab politics and intellectual history in the Middle Eastern Studies Department at Columbia University, with a well-documented history of antisemitic statements.

Hamid Dabashi

Columbia's Hagop Kevorkian Professor of Iranian Studies and Comparative Literature, who has a decades-long record of antisemitism in his classroom.

Mahmood Mamdani

The Herbert Lehman Professor of Government in the Department of Anthropology at Columbia, and the father of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whose 'anti-American, anti-capitalist, and anti-Israel fanaticism have animated his entire career and shaped his son's.'

Shai Davidai

A former Columbia Business School professor who grew up in Israel and was targeted by the university administration after giving an impassioned speech at an anti-terror vigil on campus.

Elise Stefanik

A Republican Congresswoman from New York who pressed university presidents on campus antisemitism during House Education committee hearings and is the author of the upcoming book 'Poisoned Ivies.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.