A University of Delaware student, Jenna Kandeel, is facing a hate crime charge after allegedly going on an antisemitic tirade, screaming “f— Jews” and destroying a symbolic memorial on campus. Kandeel reportedly spit on and destroyed color-coded flags representing different groups who lost their lives during the Holocaust, while shouting profanities like, “Jewish people are nasty. Free Palestine.” She has been arrested, banned from campus, and charged with three misdemeanors – hate crime, criminal mischief, and disorderly conduct.
Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings emphasized the importance of protecting free speech while condemning hate speech and actions like those carried out by Kandeel. The memorial on campus consists of rows of flags, each representing 10,000 people who died during the Holocaust, with different colors symbolizing various targeted groups. Jennings highlighted the ongoing impact of the Holocaust on the world’s Jewish population and stressed the need to continue learning its lessons.
The university expressed its disapproval of the incident, stating that such abhorrent actions have no place on the campus and will be addressed immediately. The leadership emphasized the importance of respect and civility within the community, even when differences of opinion arise. This arrest is one of many examples of anti-Israel campus demonstrations that have escalated into criminal behavior, marking a concerning trend of rising antisemitic attacks.
The Anti-Defamation League reported a significant increase in antisemitic incidents following Hamas terrorists’ attacks on Israel in October 2023, with a record-high 8,873 incidents recorded in the U.S. during the year. Antisemitic incidents on college campuses specifically rose by 321% compared to the previous year, with 922 occurrences. These statistics illustrate the troubling rise of antisemitism and the urgent need to address hate speech and actions in educational settings.
Jennings called for heightened awareness and action in combating antisemitism, particularly in the current climate of rising hatred. She stressed the need for continued education and dialogue to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The university’s swift response to the incident and commitment to addressing discrimination and violence demonstrate a proactive approach to ensuring a safe and inclusive campus environment for all students.
As incidents of hate speech and actions continue to escalate, it is crucial for educational institutions and authorities to take a firm stance against antisemitism and other forms of discrimination. By promoting respect, civility, and understanding, communities can work together to create a more inclusive and tolerant environment for all individuals. The case of Jenna Kandeel serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges of combating hate speech and the importance of standing up against bigotry in all its forms.
