Yale condemns in the strongest possible terms the desecration of a menorah on the New Haven Green during the religious holiday of Chanukah. The placement of a Palestinian flag on the menorah conveys a deeply antisemitic message to Jewish residents of New Haven, including members of the Yale community. Yale’s regulations reach conduct occurring on or off campus that imperils the integrity and values of the University community, and if such conduct is committed by a member of the Yale community, we take action. Yale has asked the New Haven police to investigate this incident and Yale may conduct its own investigation. Desecration of property such as a religious object is a crime under Connecticut law.
This incident took place in a public space in New Haven, Connecticut, off the Yale campus during a demonstration sponsored by several groups in Connecticut. At this time, Yale has no information as to whether the perpetrator was a member of the Yale community. We will update this statement as the investigation continues and further relevant information becomes available.
Find previous statements by Yale on the Hamas-Israel war.
