President of Hillel Calls on Ohio University Apology for Arrests
The President of Hillel International called on Ohio University to apologize to four pro-Israel students who were arrested during a protest.
“I cannot understand how the university administration could have possibly allowed the university police to arrest these students,” Eric Fingerhut said in his letter Friday to Roderick David, the university’s president. “These students are owed an apology from the university.
Pro-Israel students had staged a filibuster during Wednesday night’s meeting of the Ohio University Student Senate. The students called for the resignation of Student Senate President Megan Marzec over a recently recorded video in which Marzec poured a bucket of “blood” (red-colored water) over her head to support the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel.
When the protesters would not stop speaking, Marzec asked the Senate to vote on whether the protesters should be arrested, and when that was approved, police removed them.
They were charged with a fourth degree misdemeanor, disturbing a lawful meeting.
Fingerhut, a former U.S. congressman from Ohio, noted his longstanding relationship with the university in his letter.
“I urge you to personally take charge of the university’s response to the arrest of the students, and to see that this wrong is made right,” Fingerhut wrote.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
