Jewish students at DePaul University targeted on campus by masked attackers

Two Jewish students were attacked Wednesday afternoon by masked assailants on the campus of DePaul University in Chicago, according to a letter from the school's president.

Robert Manuel said the incident happened in front of the student center on the Lincoln Park campus around 3:20 p.m., triggering a public safety alert for faculty, staff and students.

“I am dismayed to report that the attack targeted two Jewish DePaul students who were visibly showing support for Israel,” Manuel said.

The two students were beaten by the attackers, but refused to receive medical treatment for their injuries.

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Two Jewish students at DePaul University were beaten by masked assailants on campus Wednesday afternoon while “visibly demonstrating support for Israel,” according to the university president. (Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images)

“We are outraged that this happened on our campus. It is completely unacceptable and a violation of DePaul's values ​​of defending and caring for the dignity of every individual,” Manuel said.

The university is providing care and resources to students and is working with Chicago police to determine whether the attack can be classified as a hate crime.

“We will do everything possible to hold those responsible for this scandalous incident accountable,” he added.

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Following the attack, DePaul said it would “continue to do everything possible to ensure” it is “safe and welcoming” for all members of its “diverse campus community.”

“We recognize that for a significant portion of our Jewish community, Israel is an essential part of their Jewish identity,” Manuel said. “These students – and every student – ​​should feel safe on our college campus. Our shared expectations and guiding principles make it clear that DePaul will not tolerate any acts of hatred or violence.”

Pro-Israel protesters on DePaul University's Lincoln Park campus in Chicago clashed with pro-Palestinian demonstrators during a two-week encampment on campus in May. (ALEX WROBLEWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

Anyone with information about the attack – or experiencing threat or violence – can report it to Public Safety at 773-325-7777 (Lincoln Park) or 312-362-8400 (Loop).

“Please know that the safety and well-being of our university community remains our top priority,” Manuel concluded.

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DePaul University was one of several schools in the United States that had very active pro-Palestinian protests earlier this year.

Police dismantled an anti-Israel encampment at DePaul on May 16 after the university cited several threats during its two weeks of operation as a protest site. (WFLD)

Chicago police evacuated an anti-Israel encampment in the University neighborhood on May 16 after more than two weeks of protests led to the closure of all green spaces.