Wanted Posters Targeting Jewish Faculty And Staff Glued To NY Campus Walls

Hundreds of “Wanted” posters targeting members of the University of Rochester community were found glued to campus buildings and classrooms, according to the Department of Public Safety.

The university launched an investigation after discovering the posters targeted Jewish faculty, and staff, including Hillel leaders, with the words “Wanted: Connection to War Crimes” and “Racism. Hate Speech. Intimidation.”

Hillel issued a statement clarifying the posters were not aimed at Jewish students and that, at this time, there are no known threats to students.

“These posters insinuate a call for violence. Yet, these same students accuse Hillel leaders of falsely labeling anti-Jewish protestors as violent—the irony is overwhelming,” the activist group StopAntisemitism said via X. “This antisemitic intimidation should not be tolerated. A full investigation is needed, and expulsion should be on the table for those involved.”

The University of Rochester president “strongly denounces” the recent display of “Wanted” posters targeting members of the Jewish community.

“This act is disturbing, divisive and intimidating and runs counter to our values as a university,” Sarah Mangelsdorf said. “Furthermore, several of those depicted appear to have been targeted because they are members of our Jewish community. We view this as antisemitism, which will not be tolerated at our University. This isn’t who we are. This goes against everything we stand for and we have an obligation to reject it.”

Mangelsdorf said the Department of Public Safety is leading an ongoing investigation.

The Associate Vice President of Public Safety also released a statement regarding the incident.

“University facilities immediately began working to remove the posters and return the spaces to their usual state,” Chief Quchee Collins said.”This process is painstaking because of the strong adhesive used to affix the posters, which in some cases caused damage to walls, floors, chalkboards, and other surfaces.”

Collins continued, “Posters and displays affixed in this manner are unacceptable and considered to be vandalism to university property. Any activities, including the placement of these posters, that disrupt our normal operations and classroom instruction will not be tolerated. Additionally, it seems that the goal of this vandalism is to intimidate members of our University community, which is an action that runs counter to our Meliora values.”

Chabad, a Jewish organization on campus, told Newsweek while they have increased security in response to the threats, they will not be intimidated. Instead, they are moving forward with their largest Shabbat Dinner of the year this week.

“When the world goes dark we must add in light, random acts of goodness and kindness are the right response to this,” Rabbi Asher Yaras told Newsweek.

Yaras said while antisemitism is nothing new, what has changed since October 7 is the way Jewish students have responded to hatred.

“More heads are adorned with Kippahs,” he said, “More Mezuzahs on doors throughout campus. More Jewish identifying jewelry and clothing is being worn out. More Jews are donning Tefillin on campus. More Jewish students are identifying with and joining the community. More Jewish students are walking around with pride and courage.”

Chabad centers offer religious services, study sessions, social events and support for Jewish students, fostering a welcoming environment for those seeking to connect with their Jewish identity. They often provide Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations, and other activities to engage students in Jewish life on campus.

The University of Rochester

The University of Rochester embraces the values captured in its motto, “Meliora,” which means “ever better.” These principles guide the institution’s commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in all aspects of campus life.

Key principles include equity, focusing on diversity, inclusion, and access; leadership, encouraging initiative and shared responsibility for excellence; and integrity, upholding honesty and fairness. The university promotes openness in ideas and expression, respect for differences and the environment, and accountability in actions and interactions to strengthen the community.

The Department of Public Service is still investigating the vandalism incident and asks anyone with information to contact them at (585) 275-3333 or publicsafety@rochester.edu.

The university is located in Rochester, New York along the Genesee River, about 70 miles east of Buffalo and 85 miles west of Syracuse.

The university enrolled 12,160 students in the 2023–24 academic year, with 6,350 full-time undergraduates and 3,759 full-time graduate students. Additionally, 414 undergraduates and 1,637 graduate students attended part-time.

Approximately 900 Jewish students attend the University of Rochester, comprising about 13 percent of the undergraduate population, according to Hillel International. Hillel at the university serves around 500 undergraduate Jewish students, along with a significant number of Jewish graduate students, faculty, and staff.

Hillel is a global organization supporting Jewish students on college and university campuses. It provides a wide range of services and programs to help Jewish students connect with their cultural and religious traditions, engage in community activities, and foster a sense of belonging.

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