Fighting
Antisemitism at
Northwestern

What is CAAN?

The Coalition Against Antisemitism at Northwestern (CAAN) is a dedicated alliance of thousands of Jewish and non-Jewish stakeholders, including Northwestern students, parents, alumni, faculty, trustees, interfaith partners, government officials, and legal experts. Together we work tirelessly to combat antisemitism, hate and prejudice, championing education and advocacy to promote a safer, more inclusive community.

Share our mission and join us in making a difference.

What is antisemitism?

The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) defines antisemitism as, “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.” The IHRA Definition, along with its 11 clarifying examples, is a definitional tool to identify both classic and contemporary manifestations of antisemitism. It has been adopted by thousands of organizations and universities across the country but Northwestern University still refuses to accept this definition.

April 15, 2025 Update

Official CAAN Statement about Recent Antisemitic Vandalism at Northwestern

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Coalition Against Antisemitism at Northwestern (CAAN) Strongly Condemns Recent Antisemitic Vandalism

Targeted Buildings House Jewish Studies Courses and Holocaust Education Foundation on Evanston Campus

(Evanston, IL) – The Coalition Against Antisemitism at Northwestern (CAAN) strongly condemns the antisemitic vandalism incident that took place in the early hours of April 14, 2025 at Northwestern.

The graffiti, which included a call for “Death to Israel,” as well as bloody red handprints and red triangles, was spray painted on a building that houses the Holocaust Education Foundation, The Crown Family Center for Jewish and Israel Studies, as well as lecture halls where Jewish Studies courses are taught.

Both centers are located within Kresge Hall, one of only two buildings vandalized – out of approximately 150 academic buildings on the Evanston campus - alongside University Hall. This was a deliberate, targeted attack with haunting, intimidating antisemitic messages and intentionally violent images that were meant to stoke fear.

The brazen and illegal act took place during Passover - a Jewish holiday and cultural defining moment that commemorates the Exodus from Egypt, and celebrates the pursuit of freedom from oppression and tyranny.

The timing and location of this egregious act reflects a campus environment that fails to take swift and forceful action in order to eradicate antisemitism and protect its Jewish students. (Didn’t the university immediately remove the graffiti?)

We call on the University and law-enforcement officials to quickly identify, apprehend, and hold responsible those who committed this reprehensible act, and to evaluate this as a possible federal hate crime.

About CAAN
The Coalition Against Antisemitism at Northwestern (CAAN) is a dedicated alliance of thousands of Jewish and non-Jewish stakeholders, including Northwestern students, parents, alumni, faculty, trustees, interfaith partners, government officials, and legal experts. Together we work tirelessly to combat antisemitism, hate and prejudice, championing education and advocacy to promote a safer, more inclusive community.

Read how CAAN has been influencing policy and documenting antisemitic activity at Northwestern.

Read Here
CAAN partners with lawmakers, lobbyists, and lawyers to keep Northwestern a safe, discrimination-free campus.

CAAN Legal Work
Make sure to document all examples of antisemitic incidents that you see on and off campus.

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On #YomHaShoah, we remember the 6 million Jewish lives lost in the Holocaust—a tragedy that must never be forgotten. Holocaust denial, distortion, or revisionism has NO place in our classrooms or our world. Our duty is to teach the next generation the truth, so that antisemitism is never normalized and history is never twisted. Only by facing the facts can we honor those lost and ensure a future built on remembrance, justice, and peaceful coexistence. #NeverForget #NeverAgain #YomHaShoah #CAAN

We should not have to wait over a week for an update on the search for these antisemitic vandals, @NorthwesternU and @NorthwesternPresident Schill. Protect and inform your community…it’s not a difficult ask.

@NorthwesternPresident Schill and @NorthwesternU - “Death to Israel” spray painted on buildings housing Holocaust education and Jewish studies—on the first night of Passover. This was a TARGETED ACT of ANTISEMITIC TERROR, not random vandalism. Northwestern MUST do more than condemn. It must ACT.  Identify the perpetrators. Enforce accountability. Protect Jewish students. #EndJewHatred #Northwestern #Antisemitism #CAAN #JewishSafetyNow

We are beyond thrilled that tonight’s screening of “October H8te” at #NorthwesternUniversity has SOLD OUT. ▪️Arrive EARLY to secure your seat! ▪️Stay for an incredible Q&A with a distinguished panel of guests immediately following the screening. ▪️Check your email for location details. #OctoberH8te #FilmForChange #NeverAgain #NUevents #EndJewHatred

Thank you @tzkhabie for your compelling Op-Ed, urging us to reflect on the catastrophic rise of antisemitism post-October 7th and its impact on our campus. If you’re unsure where you stand on this issue, now is the time to engage. On February 24th, join your fellow Wildcats for a FREE screening of “October H8te,” a documentary that sheds light on the experiences of Jewish college students and the broader implications of hate. Let’s come together as a community to foster understanding and unity, rather than allowing hate to divide us. Click on link in bio to register. Toby’s Op-Ed can also be found online or in print at @TheDailyNU. #StopAntisemitism #EndJewHatred #ProtectPurplePride

Meet the three panelists participating in the Q&A following an exclusive screening of “October H8te” presented by #EndJewHatred at #NorthwesternUniversity on February 24th: ▪️ Wendy Sachs – Director, Northwestern alumna ▪️ Michael Masters – National Director & CEO, Secure Community Network ▪️ Asaf Romirowsky, PhD – Executive Director, Scholars for Peace in the Middle East ▪️ Moderated by Tobias Khabie (Medill ’26) Event Details: ▪️ In-person screening at Northwestern University ▪️ Monday, February 24 | 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM ▪️ FREE Admission + Snacks & Refreshments Location details will be emailed upon registration. Seats are limited—Register NOW at the link in @endjewhatred’s or @this.is.northwesternu bio! About the Film: With executive producers including Debra Messing and Wendy Sachs, “October H8te” is a gripping documentary that exposes the rising tide of Jew-hatred in the U.S. following the horrific 10/7 terror attacks. This is a must-watch for students, community members, and anyone seeking to confront antisemitism head-on. #OctoberH8te #FilmForChange #NeverAgain #NUEvents #EndJewHatred

#EndJewHatred is honored to partner with “October H8te” for an exclusive screening at #NorthwesternUniversity on February 24th. About the Film: With executive producers including Debra Messing and Wendy Sachs, “October H8te” is a gripping documentary that exposes the rising tide of Jew-hatred in the U.S. following the horrific 10/7 terror attacks. This is a must-watch for students, community members, and anyone seeking to confront antisemitism head-on. Event Details: ▪️ In-person screening at Northwestern University ▪️ Monday, February 24 | 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM ▪️ FREE Admission + Snacks & Refreshments Exclusive Panel Discussion to follow, featuring: ▪️ Wendy Sachs – Director, Northwestern alumna ▪️ Asaf Romirowsky, PhD – Executive Director, Scholars for Peace in the Middle East ▪️ Michael Masters – National Director & CEO, Secure Community Network ▪️ Moderated by Tobias Khabie (Medill ’26) Location details will be emailed upon registration. Seats are limited—Register NOW at the link in @endjewhatred’s or @this.is.northwesternu bio! #OctoberH8te #FilmForChange #NeverAgain #NUevents #EndJewHatred

🚨Northwestern University’s faculty rated amongst worst in USA 🚨 @AMCHA_Initiative ‘s new Anti-Zionist Faculty Barometer gives @NorthwesternU the WORST possible rating of 5 (Extreme). This alarming score reflects key concerns: ⚠️ 76 faculty members boycotting Israel ⚠️ An active Faculty for Justice in Palestine (FJP) chapter ⚠️ 10 FJP events and statements since October 7, 2023 and anti-Israel statements from 3 departments since 2021 By supporting BDS and aligning with anti-Israel student groups, Northwestern’s FJP chapter directly threatens the safety and well-being of Jewish, Israeli, and all community members. This faculty-driven movement creates a hostile environment, potentially intimidating students and stifling open academic discourse. [Link in profile to AMCHA Initiative’s AZF Barometer and associated links.] #NoFacultyHarm #NoAcademicBDS #StopCampusAntisemitism #ProtectJewishStudents #JewishSafety #SafeCampusForAll #EndJewHatred #StandAgainstAntisemitism #CAAN #AMCHAInitiative #ProtectPurplePride

🚨CAAN co-signs AMCHA Initiative’s bold campaign against faculty antisemitism! 📢 @amcha_initiative’s letter to 170 universities (including @NorthwesternU) exposes the dangers of Faculty for Justice in Palestine (FJP) chapters: • 7.3x more likely: Physical violence against Jewish students • 3.4x more likely: Threats to Jewish individuals • 2.5x longer: Anti-Israel protests We’re calling on @NorthwesternPresident Schill and all administrators to act now! Protect Jewish students and stop academic BDS. Join us in this crucial fight against faculty-fueled antisemitism! 💪 (Link to AMCHA Initiative’s report in our bio.) #NoFacultyHarm #NoAcademicBDS #StopCampusAntisemitism #CAAN #AMCHAInitiative #JewishSafety #ProtectPurplePride

Over a month has passed, and @NorthwesternPresident Schill and @NorthwesternU remain mute on antisemitism. While Jewish communities face escalating threats globally, from pogroms in Europe to repeated vandalism against a University of Michigan regent, Northwestern University’s inaction grows more glaring. The University’s hypocrisy is stark. Swift responses to incidents affecting other minorities contrast sharply with their silence on local antisemitic attacks. This double-standard not only violates their own policies but puts Jewish students and faculty at risk and potentially infringes on Title VI regulations. Northwestern’s Jewish community deserves more than empty promises. We need: 1. Acknowledgment of recent antisemitic incidents. 2. Concrete steps to ensure campus safety. 3. Consistent application of hate incident policies. Northwestern, your values are reflected in your actions, not your words that you conveniently ignore when it comes to antisemitism. It’s time to stand up against hate and protect ALL students. #StopAntisemitism #EndJewHatred #ProtectPurplePride #ProtectJewishStudents #CAAN #NorthwesternAccountability

@NorthwesternU Medical School's silence speaks volumes. Jewish students, faculty, and patients DESERVE BETTER. Your oath to care for ALL patients is non-negotiable. Neutrality in healthcare isn't optional—it's essential. @NUFeinbergMed, your inaction enables antisemitism. Stand up for your Jewish community NOW and do what Dr. Greenland asked you to do on November 9th: unite and issue a firm statement against hate and politics in medicine. #StopAntisemitism #EndJewishHate #MedicalEthics #NUAccountability #ProtectPurplePride #CAAN

CAAN has partnered with the renowned @TreatHouse in NYC to bring you custom, delicious Rice Krispie Treats that are perfect for your Wildcats! Click 🔗 in bio to order! These aren’t just any treats; they are gourmet marshmallow creations that will delight your child, friends, roommates, teachers, or fellow alumni! Send a fantastic box of NU and CAAN-themed marshmallow treats directly to their dorm or home. You can include a personalized note and select the delivery date to make it extra special. Enjoy these scrumptious treats while supporting CAAN, as a portion of sales goes to CAAN’s mission of combating antisemitism and spreading joy within the Northwestern community. #ProtectPurplePride #StopAntisemitism #EndJewHatred #YesWeCAAN #TreatYourself

Hey @NorthwesternU: Is removing HUMMUS truly the solution to ensuring the safety and well-being of all at Northwestern? We at CAAN are appalled by the revelations in the Congressional Report “Antisemitism on College Campuses Exposed,” which details Provost Kathleen Hagerty’s troubling involvement in last spring’s pro-Hamas encampment negotiations. The report highlights her supportive communications with anti-Israel faculty members, including Nour Kteily and Jessica Winegar. Not only did she back and applaud their efforts, but she also helped them strategize ways to amplify the encampment’s message to the university’s Trustees and President. 📢 Disturbingly, per the Congressional report, Hagerty conducted Northwestern business and led encampment negotiations using her husband’s cell phone! Hagerty’s actions appear to align with this radically indoctrinated anti-Israel group, providing them resources while considering the removal of Sabra hummus from campus dining due to its Israeli ownership. CAAN believes this is a gross abuse of power, and we expect the Board of Trustees to act with an immediate leadership overhaul. #StopAntisemitism #EndJewHatred #ProtectPurplePride #Accountability

CAAN is ashamed that Northwestern has been named in the recent congressional report on the alarming rise of antisemitism on college campuses. Instead of protecting its Jewish students, the administration’s actions in 2023-24 emboldened hate and placed Jewish students at greater risk. Faculty members with anti-Jewish bias were even allowed to lead negotiations with the protest encampment—aligning with those who fuel this Jew-hating climate. It’s time for Northwestern to reflect on its role and take real action to prevent this from ever happening again. #EndJewishHate #StopAntisemitism #Accountability #ProtectPurplePride

CAAN is bursting with pride as our incredible Jewish Life & Student Liaison, Lauren Weizer, received a well-deserved honor at the @StandwithUs Midwest Campus Champions Gala this past weekend! 🎉 From day one at Northwestern, Lauren has passionately championed Judaism and Israel, tirelessly working to combat antisemitism on campus and ensuring that every student feels safe and welcomed. Now, her dedication is recognized far and wide! 🌍💙 Huge congratulations to you, @Laurenyzr! Your hard work and commitment to CAAN, Northwestern, and the entire Jewish community inspire us all. Keep shining! ✨ #HometownHero #✡️PurplePride #EndJewHatred #StopAntisemitism

The only time you DON’T want to be first in the nation! Last week Congress released a jaw-dropping account of antisemitism across college campuses around the country and @NorthwesternU led the pack! Their investigation uncovered distressing emails, text messages and other documents that proved what we suspected all along: @NorthwesternPresident Schill and other NU administrators employed deceptive practices and placated to the demands of pro-terrorist organizers of antisemitic encampments. CAAN is ashamed and calls on the Board of Trustees to step in and take action. It’s time for a complete overhaul of leadership! What are you waiting for? Follow CAAN for additional revelations from this Congessional report. #EndJewHatred #StopAntisemitism #StandUpToHate #ProtectPurplePride

CAAN commends @brownu for taking decisive action against SJP, a group associated with internationally designated terrorist organizations. There is no place for hate or terror on college campuses. @NorthwesternPresident Schill - please continue to ensure that @NorthwesternU will protect its students, faculty and administrators in a similar fashion moving forward. #EndHateOnCampus #StopAntisemitism #ProtectOurPurplePride

Tragically, we lost yet another Northwestern student, a heartbreaking result of continued antisemitism on campus. @NorthwesternPresident Schill, our community is calling on you to prevent this from happening again. Since October 7, 2023, Jewish and Israeli students have faced escalating hate, intimidation, and disrespect. From a wishy-washy stance about the October 7th attacks in Israel, to disregarding antisemitic incidents last spring, to yielding to the demands of hostile and antisemitic groups, to creating a sham committee to address antisemitism at @NorthwesternU, your leadership has failed them. This summer’s updated Code of Conduct rules were a start, but rules mean nothing without action. We demand: 🔹Consistent and clear enforcement of the Code of Conduct by all University employees. 🔹 Zero tolerance for antisemitic actions and violations of the code. 🔹 Immediate identification of and accountability for those who incite hate and/or break the rules. President Schill, it’s time to consistently protect ALL students and ensure that Northwestern stands united against hate. Join us. Take action at YesWeCAAN.org (link in bio). #StopAntisemitism #UniteAgainstHate #ProtectOurPurplePride

CAAN stands with Professor @shaidavidai as he faces unjust treatment from Columbia University. Academic freedom and the right to speak out against antisemitism must be protected without fear or retribution. @Columbia - it’s been a week since your terrible decision. When will Shai be allowed back to work? #SupportShaiDavidai #AcademicFreedom #StopAntisemitism #EndJewishHate