The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) sent a letter yesterday to Dr. Joseph E. Aoun, the president of Northeastern University in Boston, MA, strongly praising him for promptly and appropriately responding to anti-Semitic vandalism on his campus last week.  On Friday, November 7, 2014, two fliers posted on campus to publicize a lecture by an Israeli Defense Forces colonel were defaced with swastikas.  On the same date, President Aoun issued a statement to the members of the Northeastern community, unequivocally condemning what occurred and affirming Northeastern’s zero tolerance for anti-Semitism.

President Aoun made it clear in his statement that the event featuring the Israeli military official had the right to go forward and the speaker had the right to “speak freely in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding, and free from intimidation.” In addition, President Aoun confirmed that the Northeastern police are “actively investigating” the vandalism incident.

In its letter, the ZOA urged President Aoun to ensure that the wrongdoers are apprehended and punished, consistent with university policies and the law.

Morton A. Klein, the ZOA’s National President, and Susan B. Tuchman, Esq., the director of the ZOA’s Center for Law and Justice, praised President Aoun for his “strong and moral leadership,” writing, “Your statement serves as a model for other university leaders who may face anti-Semitism on their campuses.”