Israeli academic leaves Columbia University after investigation clears him of harassment
'They tried to smear my name. I wouldn't let them': Shai Davidai criticised university's perceived lack of action against pro-Palestinian activists on campus since 7 October
A pro-Israel assistant professor of business at New York City’s Columbia University has confirmed to Jewish News that he has left the institution after being cleared of harassment, saying: “The administration has failed, the faculty have lost their moral courage, and too many of my colleagues have simply looked the other way while campus was in flames.”
Israeli-born Shai Davidai was a highly vocal voice against antisemitism on campus following the Hamas atrocities of 7 October 2023 and critical of the faculty’s perceived lack of action over pro-Palestinian encampments and mass protests against Israel.
Columbia barred him from campus following an internal investigation launched by its Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EOAA) against him in February 2024 claimed he had “repeatedly harassed and intimidated staff.”
Davidai steadfastly denied the allegations.
In a post to Twitter/X on Wednesday July 9th, sharing a letter from the University finally clearing him of the allegations, Davidai wrote: “BOOM. (Please help me spread this. @Columbia tried to smear my name. I wouldn’t let them. Today, they finally admitted that I hadn’t done anything wrong.)”
The letter sent to Davidai from Laura Kirschstein, vice provost for the office of institutional equity, said: “On or about July 8th 2025, OIE closed its investigations relating to you without issuing any findings or conclusions of wrongdoing, and without imposing any discipline or penalty on you.”
Shai Davidai told Jewish News: “I can confirm I’ve decided to leave Columbia because its leadership refuses to take the anti-Jewish, anti-Israeli, and anti-American activity on campus seriously. The administration has failed, the faculty have lost their moral courage, and too many of my colleagues have simply looked the other way while campus was in flames.
“I no longer trust the acting president, the board of trustees, or my peers to do what’s right — or to hold each other accountable. If I wouldn’t encourage anyone else to work there, how could I stay myself?”
Commenting on the investigation, Davidai added: “Columbia knew from the start that I had done nothing wrong. This baseless case was sparked by a coordinated smear campaign from Students for Justice in Palestine, and Columbia seized the opportunity to try to silence me. I made it clear that a person’s name and integrity are everything — and I would fight until they cleared me completely. I’m glad they finally did the right thing, but it’s deeply troubling it took them so long.”
A spokesperson for Columbia University told Jewish News: “Assistant Professor of Business Shai Davidai has decided to depart Columbia, effective July 8, 2025. The University thanks him for his service and wishes him the best in his future endeavors.”
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