Jewish students at Stanford University were targeted with a series of threatening antisemitic emails shortly before Purim events were set to take place on campus, prompting an FBI investigation and increased security measures.
The messages, sent by an anonymous group calling itself “exposingstanfordjews,” were distributed to Jewish student leaders, members of campus Jewish organizations, student journalists, and university security officials. Several emails included explicit threats and conspiracy-driven rhetoric directed at the Jewish community.
One of the messages reportedly bore the subject line “Holocaust 2.0,” while others warned recipients against gathering for holiday celebrations, suggesting that those involved were being monitored. Some hours before the Purim festivities, an alarm was raised among students and administrators alike.
Stanford University condemned the threats and said it is coordinating with federal and local law enforcement authorities, including the FBI, to identify those responsible. The university also bolstered security presence around Jewish campus institutions and encouraged anyone who received similar communications to come forward.
Jewish students continue with plans to celebrate Purim
Despite the intimidation, Jewish students and leaders of the local Hillel chapter said they plan to continue with Purim celebrations as scheduled, with added security in place.
A campus Hillel representative said that combating hate by celebrating proudly and building community was the best response and that canceling festivities was exactly what the senders intended.
The incident comes amid a broader wave of antisemitic incidents on college campuses in recent years and underscores the ongoing challenges American universities face in protecting minority students and maintaining inclusive environments.