By Carl Zebrowski
Editor

Dr. Shai Davidai, the Israeli assistant professor at Columbia University who became famous last year for standing up to anti-Israel protests and other antisemitic acts on campus, is coming to the Lehigh Valley on September 11 to give his first talk to a U.S. audience since he resigned from the faculty this July.

Addressing this audience just a couple of hours west of downtown Manhattan on the anniversary of 9/11, as the global Jewish community continues to struggle with war in Israel, hostages still being held in Gaza, and increased incidents of antisemitism, Davidai will explore the relationship between the World Trade Center attack and what has been happening recently on college campuses and elsewhere across America, he says. 

“The rhetoric targeting Jews and Israel on campuses is disturbing,” Davidai tells Hakol, “but it’s only part of a deeper story—a growing rejection of the values that define America and the West. On September 11, 24 years after the deadliest terror attack on U.S. soil, I’ll speak about why this ideology must be confronted now, and why the moderate, common-sense majority has a responsibility to stand against it.”

The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley invites all who have pledged $365 or more to its 2026 Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs to attend this important and timely event. Partnering with the Federation for this special program at Temple Beth El is StandWithUs, an international Israel education organization that inspires and educates people of all ages and backgrounds, challenges misinformation, and fights antisemitism using its own resources and legal professionals to defend civil and human rights. 

Davidai is widely recognized for his outspoken advocacy for Jewish students and his leadership in confronting antisemitism at Columbia last year. He was barred from campus in April 2024 after confronting administrators about pro Palestinian encampments during violent protests. He faced widespread harassment allegations that prompted an investigation. 

In October he was temporarily suspended for violating university harassment policies. He resigned from his position in July citing a lack of trust in the institution. 

Davidai has emerged through this ordeal as a powerful voice promoting academic integrity, campus safety, and moral clarity in the face of rising antisemitism across colleges.

The 9/11 evening begins at 7:15 p.m. at Temple Beth El. Dessert will be served (dietary laws observed). Cost is $36 per person. Registration is required at jewishlehighvalley.regfox.com/community-reception.