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Authorities charged two Syracuse University students with hate crimes after an incident at a Jewish fraternity house during Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, earlier this week.
The disruption unfolded Tuesday night at Zeta Beta Tau, a fraternity where students had gathered inside for a holiday meal. One of the suspects barged in carrying a bag filled with pork and slammed it against a wall. The meat and liquid scattered across the room. He ran out and got into a car driven by the second suspect.
Soon afterward, police intercepted the vehicle and detained both men, who are 18. As a result, prosecutors announced charges of burglary as a hate crime and criminal nuisance.
Prosecutors Reject “Prank” Excuse
Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick stressed the gravity of the assault and its antisemitic intent.
“This incident is not a foolish college prank and will not be treated as such,” Fitzpatrick said. “It will be treated for what it is, a crime directed against a group of Jewish students enjoying a celebratory dinner and seemingly secure in their residence.”
Furthermore, Fitzpatrick emphasized that the hate crime charge applies because the suspects targeted Jewish students on a sacred holiday.
University Condemns Attack
Syracuse University’s Chief Student Experience Officer Allen Groves issued a firm response.
“Tonight’s incident, as reported to us, is abhorrent, shocking to the conscience and violates our core value of being a place that is truly welcoming to all,” Groves said. “It will not be tolerated at Syracuse University.”
In addition, Groves confirmed the students were referred to the Office of Community Standards for disciplinary review under the Student Conduct Code.
Antisemitism on Campus
The assault reflects a broader rise in antisemitic acts on U.S. campuses. Jewish students have faced harassment, intimidation, and violence, especially since the October 7th Hamas massacre.
Moreover, using pork, prohibited by Jewish dietary law, was no prank. Instead, it was a calculated act designed to intimidate. The case highlights the urgent need for universities to hold offenders accountable and guarantee Jewish students’ safety.
Take Action
CAM has launched Report It — a secure app to report antisemitic incidents anonymously and in real time. Don’t stay silent — download it today on the Apple Store or Google Play. See it. Report it. Stop it. Together, we can fight this hate.
