Columbia students drop divestment demand as new Israel program set to open

Columbia University will open its global center in Tel Aviv this summer, announced by adjunct professor Nadav Eyal. The student workers' union dropped its divestment demand at the bargaining table, marking a reversal. The center, first announced in April 2023, drew dueling faculty letters. The union president cited bargaining realities. The article also covers an antisemitism petition against NYC Mayor Mamdani, an indictment in a stabbing case, and racist graffiti investigation in Irvington.

Columbia University will open its global center in Tel Aviv this summer, as announced by adjunct professor Nadav Eyal on the 'Call Me Back' podcast. The center, first announced in April 2023, drew dueling letters from faculty supporting and opposing the move. Eyal expressed relief at the opening, referencing campus pro-Palestinian protests that some said crossed into antisemitism. The Columbia student workers' union dropped its demand at the bargaining table for the university to divest from Israel, marking a sharp reversal for the group that played a key role in the protest movement. Union president Grant Miner told the Columbia Spectator that bargaining realities forced the concession. The article also covers an antisemitism petition against NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, an indictment in a stabbing case, and racist graffiti investigation in Irvington.