On Thursday evening, March 28, the community gathered for an informative, interactive meeting with the President of Queens College, Frank H. Wu, at the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills. The event was presented by Assemblyman Sam Berger. Rabbi Stuart Verstandig, President of the Young Israel, thanked Assembly Member Sam Berger and his staff for organizing this gathering with Queens College President Wu.
Assemblyman Berger welcomed everyone and shared how, shortly after he took office, the October 7 attacks happened, and he had to immediately address the growing anti-Semitism in our community. He shared that he has a lot of constituents who attend Queens College, and there was a lot of tension at Queens College. There were protests and rallies, and there was a speaker who said that Jews were responsible for 9/11 and ISIS, etc. The purpose of this meeting was to address the concerns we have as a community about anti-Semitism on campus, and it also offers a way for the community to interact with Queens College. He noted how we all saw how the presidents of Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, and MIT spoke in such a disgusting way. President Wu lives in our community, and since October 7 he has been trying to deal with the horrible situation. He is outspoke about the horrors of Hamas. He has denounced pro-Hamas groups. The anti-Semitic graffiti on campus is always accompanied with some slur against the President of Queens College. “My hope is that we can have communication with the community here. I like to acknowledge the hard work Mr. Wu has put in, in addressing anti-Semitism at QC.”
Mr. Wu spoke next, and he also answered questions from the audience. “I chose to live in our community to be near the college. This is about our students and their safety. October 7 was a terrorist attack. It was morally wrong and an outrage. Hamas is a terrorist organization. Even now, there are people who are denying the atrocities that occurred.
“We recognize the anti-Semitism that is happening, and we must fight it wherever it appears, for the benefit of our students and staff and all of us who believe in the American dream.” He acknowledged that words are necessary but not sufficient. We want you to know what we are doing.
He shared that the college is offering kosher food and is working on procuring a better kosher food program. He noted that the Asian community in Flushing and the Jewish community in Kew Gardens Hills share values, and he recognizes that Jews stood up for Asians when they were being targeted.
He explained that there are groups of every faith and ethnicity at Queens College. These student groups are required to follow the rules. He also explained that if an anti-Asian or anti-Semitic speaker is invited, he would not be able to stop them unless they threaten violence. Mr. Wu said that people who hate Jews generally hate Asians, so he’s alongside us.
He thanked the NYPD who are on campus. When there was a spate of anti-Semitic graffiti at the college, the NYPD came right away. “Queens College is meant to lift up families and the community. I came here to do this.”
He shared that there was a protest three or four weeks ago in favor of Palestine. Not more than 24 people came. He believes most protestors were not Queens College students.
There are five faith groups in the student union. “We’re looking for ways to bring people together. We don’t hesitate to condemn anti-Semitism.” He shared that photos are taken daily of all the walls of the student union. Also, professors cannot talk about something not related to their field. He made it clear that it is inappropriate to speak about politics. He said, “I want you to be welcomed and respected as you have welcomed me.”
Following this, Deputy Chief Richard Taylor, the highest-ranking frum NYPD officer, spoke. He shared that the most common anti-Semitic crime they see is swastikas.
Rabbi Verstandig thanked Assembly Member Sam Berger and his staff for organizing this gathering with the Queens College President.
Then, several people spoke briefly. Councilwoman Lynn Schulman shared that though this is not her district, she is the only Jewish council member in Queens and she is concerned about the rise in anti-Semitism in Queens. She noted that Queens College is important to us, and we want to make sure the students and teachers don’t feel threatened.
The following people spoke briefly: Mr. Jeff Rosentock, AVP Government Relations, Jay Hershenson, Senior Advisor to President Wu, Jenna Citron Schwab, Executive Director of Hillel, Dr. Arnold Frankel, Director of the Center of Jewish Studies, and Rabbi Shaul Wertheimer. Sam Verstandig, representing Assemblyman David Weprin, was also present.
The community appreciates this opportunity to speak directly to the President of Queens College.
By Susie Garber
