JCRC Statement
January 10, 2025
The following is a statement from Vicki Fishman, director of Virginia government and community relations for the JCRC of Greater Washington, and Rabbi Daniel Novick, executive director of Mason Hillel regarding recent events involving George Mason University:
"Recent antisemitic threats uncovered by security personnel at George Mason University illustrate how difficult and scary life still is for many Jewish students at colleges and universities across the country. Fortunately, the steps taken by GMU administrators following these developments exemplify strong leadership and demonstrate much-needed commitment to and compassion for Jewish members of their community.
In recent weeks, three GMU students were connected to potential violence against Jews, including one who was arrested by the FBI for plotting a terrorist attack against an Israeli consulate. It is because of the vigilance of campus leadership that these threats were initially discovered. We appreciate GMU President Gregory Washington and Vice President of University Life Rose Pascarell in particular for meeting with us, hearing our concerns, and deploying the full weight of the university's security and disciplinary measures to prevent these students from perpetrating harm on campus.
We are further pleased with their clear recognition that fighting antisemitism also requires proactive approaches. To that end, we commend GMU for applying for and being accepted into the 6th cohort of the Campus Climate Initiative (CCI) run by Hillel International in collaboration with higher education administrators and campus-based Hillel professionals. More than 500 administrators from 75 colleges and universities have participated in CCI’s signature Campus Cohort Program to help assess the climate for Jewish students and develop a campus-specific action plan to enhance Jewish students’ sense of belonging. We look forward to GMU being the next beneficiary of this critically important and effective program.
All students — regardless of their faith or religious identity — deserve to be safe and secure on campus and the ability to openly express their beliefs and values without fear of violence. We are confident that the actions taken by GMU leadership will help ensure such an environment for Jewish students and the entire campus community."