Yola Ashkenazie, a recent graduate of Columbia University’s class of 2024, is a leading advocate against campus antisemitism. Supported by Shield Communications PR, co-founded by Ariella Noveck and Bethany Mandel, as a Senior Fellow; Ashkenazie has focused on addressing the growing hostility towards Jewish students, particularly those who support Israel.
Ashkenazie’s advocacy began during her time at Columbia, where she pursued a dual degree in Psychology and Economics through a program with the Jewish Theological Seminary. She quickly became a prominent figure in the fight against rising antisemitism on campus. Her leadership extended beyond the classroom, serving as President of the Chabad student board and Jewish events coordinator for her sorority, roles that enriched Jewish campus life and strengthened the community.
However, Ashkenazie’s activism took a personal turn as she encountered the increasing hostility toward pro-Israel students. She describes the Columbia campus as a divisive environment where Jewish students often feel unsafe. The atmosphere became particularly tense after October 7, with pro-Hamas demonstrations exacerbating the fear and alienation felt by Jewish students.
A particularly troubling case involves Khymani Jones, a student who publicly fantasized about killing Zionists but is still allowed to return to campus for the upcoming semester. This decision seems to contradict Columbia’s own rules and protocols, compromising the safety of the broader university community. It raises concerns about whether future leadership, under Will Armstrong or others, will permit such behavior to continue, as it did under former President Minoushe Shafik.
Reflecting on the recent resignation of Columbia University President Minoushe Shafik, Ashkenazie stated, “Minoushe Shafik has stepped down as Columbia University’s president. As a Jewish Columbia student who graduated in May, I know that this is a direct result of her inaction in stopping the hateful protests all year long. I hope Columbia puts a new president in place who is ready to enforce its rules strongly and restore constructive learning to our university.”
Ashkenazie’s words highlight the urgent need for a leadership change at Columbia, one that will prioritize student safety and foster an environment of constructive learning. The upcoming congressional hearing on antisemitism at Columbia offers hope for a renewed commitment to these principles, which Ashkenazie believes are crucial for the university’s future.
Her contributions continue to bring these issues to light, ensuring that the challenges facing Jewish students are not ignored. Yola Ashkenazie’s work centers around securing a safer, more inclusive campus for future generations of Jewish students.
