Skverer Rebbe Stands Up for Columbia's Jewish Student Body

By Y.M. Lowy

An intriguing story has emerged, revealing that Columbia University reached out to the Skverer Rebbe for assistance after President Donald Trump froze millions of dollars in funding for the university due to rising antisemitic activity on campus.

A university representative approached Rabbi Chaim Meir Twersky, the Skverer Rebbe’s youngest son, knowing of the Rebbe’s strong connections with influential politicians. They hoped he could use his relationships to help restore the funding.

Rabbi Chaim Meir brought the request to his father, but the Rebbe insisted on understanding the full situation before moving forward. Once he learned that the freeze was because of Columbia’s lack of action against antisemitism, where Jewish students had faced harassment or even physical attacks, the Rebbe made it clear that he would not help unless the university took real steps to protect its Jewish students.

A source close to the Skverer Rebbe shared, “The Rebbe wasn’t interested in personal benefits or political favors from the university. His sole concern was the wellbeing of Jewish students—whether they are observant or not, they are still Yiddishe Neshamos. He does not want them to be mistreated or harassed at Columbia.”

Columbia University ended up getting $400 million back in withheld federal funding after implementing the policies regarding protests, antisemitism, and campus safety.