On the University of Pittsburgh’s campus, students are concerned and some are even scared. Students told Channel 11 News they want university leaders to do more about the recent antisemitic attacks involving their classmates, especially now that the Jewish High Holidays are starting Wednesday night with Rosh Hashanah.
“If we are going to like a Shabbat dinner or we are going to some event that Hillel is holding it’s ideal to at least be with one other person,” said Katie Klinefelter.
Katie Klinefelter is a Pittsburgh native, a sophomore at Pitt, and Jewish. She told Channel 11 News she never felt uncomfortable at her university until recently when she began walking with friends anytime she attended a religious event because she didn’t feel safe.
“I feel like as someone from Pittsburgh we have already seen enough happen,” Klinefelter said as she recalled the deadly Tree of Life shooting.
On Aug. 30, a group of Jewish students walking on campus were attacked when a 52-year-old man threw a glass bottle at them. Then Friday, a student wearing a Star of David necklace was assaulted off campus when a group of men hurled antisemitic insults before repeatedly punching the student.