Rutgers Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity vandalized during 24-hour reading for Holocaust Remembrance Day

The Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity’s 24-hour reading of the names of Holocaust victims for Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day, was vandalized on Wednesday by individuals who threw eggs at their house during the event.

Rutgers—New Brunswick Chancellor Christopher J. Molloy issued a statement, dated April 9, on social media today about the incident. He said he was deeply disturbed by the situation and the harm it has caused the Jewish community at the University.

“All members of our campus community deserve to learn and work in an environment in which they feel fully safe, valued and respected, free from (antisemitism) and all other forms of hate and discrimination,” he said.

Given that the vandalism occurred during an important time of remembrance for Jewish people, Molloy said it is clear that additional education and awareness are necessary going forward at the University, according to the statement. The Office of the Senior Vice President for Equity has begun outreach efforts and will release resources regarding antisemitism in the coming week.

“As we go through the diversity strategic planning process, we will attend closely to this and follow up with members of the Jewish community to ensure your voices and perspectives are reflected in our path forward,” he said. “Again, I express my sincere support for our Jewish students, faculty and staff, and my full commitment to ensuring that all members of our community feel a sense of belonging here at Rutgers—New Brunswick.”

The Rutgers University Student Assembly also released a statement on Sunday via Instagram regarding the incident where they expressed their support for the Jewish community at Rutgers and condemned the acts of antisemitism.

“We, as a beloved community, must be vigilant in our condemnation of such heinous acts, continue to hold those who perpetrate such hate accountable and work to develop a culture where such actions never occur,” said Assembly President Nicholas LaBelle, a Rutgers Business School junior, and Assembly Vice President Arielle Dublin, an Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy junior.

The Rutgers chapter of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity declined to comment on the incident.

Jewish on Campus, an organization dedicated to amplifying Jewish voices, shared an anonymous quote from a Rutgers community member in an Instagram post yesterday, explaining that antisemitism is an issue at the University. The post has received more than 2,400 likes and 80 comments as of today.

Molloy said the Rutgers University Police Department (RUPD) is investigating the situation in order to identify the individuals responsible.

“Rutgers is committed to creating a campus environment in which all people are treated with respect,” said John Cramer, director of public and media relations at the University. “RUPD is aware of this incident and is investigating. Patrols have been increased in the area.”