Investigation underway at Tufts University after student’s mezuzah is removed from dormitory

An investigation is underway at Tufts University after a student’s mezuzah was removed from his dormitory, University President Anthony Monaco said on Wednesday.

A mezuzah is a decorative case containing a Jewish prayer that is traditionally fixed to the doorpost of a Jewish home. The student reportedly woke up to the sound of laughing on Saturday – the day of the Jewish Sabbath – to find that the mezuzah had been removed.

In an email, President Mocano wrote: “Regardless of intent, the removal of this important symbol of Jewish faith is antisemitic and has caused harm. All members of our community should feel comfortable displaying and expressing their faith, and all members of our community should respect those displays and expressions. We are all responsible to each other.” He added that Tufts University Police Department had launched an “extensive investigation” but that no suspects had been identified.

Rabbi Naftali Brawer of Tufts Hillel said that the Jewish campus organisation was “offering support to the student” and “liaising with Tufts university administration and police,” adding that the University had “responded swiftly, thoroughly, and empathetically.”

Rabbi Brawer added: “We are deeply concerned about this antisemitic act and will continue to forcefully call out any act of antisemitism on campus.”

Last month, a student’s mezuzah was ripped off its doorpost at the University of British Columbia.  

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