ISGAP reveals foreign funding links to rising antisemitism on U.S. college campuses

In a recent U.S. Senate Committee meeting on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, significant concerns were raised regarding the alarming rise of antisemitism on college campuses. The discussion highlighted a staggering 360% increase in antisemitic incidents since October, following the Hamas attack, with 83% of Jewish college students reporting experiences of antisemitism.

The Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP) presented findings that indicate antisemitism has infiltrated mainstream discourse within educational institutions. The organization’s research, particularly its "Follow the Money" project, examines the influence of foreign funding on U.S. universities and its correlation with rising antisemitic activities. Notably, ISGAP reported over $6.5 billion in unreported foreign funding, primarily from the Qatari regime, which has been linked to increased antisemitic rhetoric and compromised academic freedom.

The committee was informed that universities often underreport foreign gifts and utilize third-party foundations to obscure donor identities, violating transparency laws. Specific examples included Texas A&M and Cornell University, where substantial undocumented funding from Qatar was identified, raising concerns about the implications for academic integrity and safety for Jewish students.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for policy makers to address these issues to ensure safe learning environments for all students. As antisemitism continues to rise, the committee's discussions signal a critical moment for universities to reassess their funding sources and the impact on campus culture. The implications of these findings call for immediate action to protect the rights and safety of Jewish students across the nation.