USA
Antisemitic graffiti at University of Tennessee blames Jews for September 11 attacks
‘Jews did 9-11’ was daubed on a large stone inside the university campus
September 16, 2019 10:27
‘Jews did 9-11’ was daubed on a large stone inside the university campus
September 16, 2019 10:27Jewish students expressed disgust that antisemitic graffiti blaming Jews for the September 11, 2001 attacks was daubed on a landmark at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
They were shocked to discover that someone had written "Jews did 9-11. Google: Dancing Israelis," on The Rock, a large stone on the UTK campus.
Responding to the graffiti on Facebook the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity said: “We are sick and tired of University of Tennessee constantly doing nothing to address this. This happens time and time again and all the university has said is 'this is unacceptable.'"
The Rock is regularly inscribed by individuals, who often paint opinions or congratulations
The Jewish college fraternity, which operates groups on over 190 college campuses in seven countries, said it wanted a more “effective response from the University” in dealing with the graffiti on the stone.
Alpha Epsilon Pi said: "As of now, the University has been working closely with AEP, Hillel, and other Jewish students/organizations to address this issue."
Parker Alperin, president of UKT’s Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity said: "There are few large campus[es] that don’t face this. This is not unique to ours.”
He said that antisemitism on campus was “not something Jewish students face on a daily basis. It is a largely welcoming community and to paint it otherwise is terribly dishonest."
He also welcomed support that Jewish students had been offered by other on campus.
“This hateful event should not be the reason Jews disappear from this campus. One individual does not and should not have the power to make others feel unwelcome and unsafe,” he said.
Earlier last week, The Rock was painted with a design in support of a student who had experienced bullying over his homemade shirt supporting the University.
The antisemitic message was drawn over this positive tribute.
UTK Chancellor Donde Plowman said she understood that “words are not enough” when it came to addressing the problem.
“In one week, The Rock has brought out the best and the worst,” she said.
“We celebrated the outpouring of love for the young Volunteer who made his own T-shirt, and someone beautifully depicted the shirt on the Rock. Last night, someone covered that message of love with an antisemitic hate message.
“We condemn that hate aimed toward members of our Jewish community, and we understand that words are not enough.”
Ms Plowman said she would meet Jewish students in the coming days.
