ATLANTA — The Israel-Hamas war has made for some difficult times at Emory University this school year.

The latest clash took place about two weeks ago. Two men were arrested on disorderly conduct charges after a protest outside Chabad at Emory, a place that provides educational, social and other forms of support for Jewish students. Days later, two civil rights groups filed a federal complaint against Emory, accusing the school of allowing anti-Palestinian, anti-Arab and Islamophobic discrimination.

The events of recent weeks have been “a new low” on campus, said 20-year-old junior Dawnya Green.

“There’s always a level of tenseness within the student body, just because Emory is such a competitive place,” she said. “But over the past academic year, it’s gotten concerningly bad.”

Several students on campus have said they feel vulnerable and complain that university leaders haven’t done enough to make the campus feel safe. Emory administrators have recognized it’s been “challenging times on our campus” and say they are offering resources to help all students.

It’s an unusual position for Emory, the largest private university in Georgia — and one of the most academically prestigious schools in the nation. It was founded nearly two centuries ago by the Methodist Episcopal Church and prides itself on celebrating its diversity.

“Emory does not tolerate behavior or actions that threaten, harm or target individuals because of their identities or backgrounds,” Emory spokesperson Laura Diamond said in a statement. “We recognize that many members of our community are concerned about the ongoing war, hostage situation and humanitarian crisis. Emory continues to offer a variety of resources to support all of our students.”

The heightened tensions come amid a new front in the ongoing conflict: Iran’s weekend air strikes on Israel. The Atlanta Police Department announced it’s working closely with other law enforcement partners, religious institutions and community leaders to ensure safety.

‘Violence’ and ‘silence’

Tensions between supporters of Israel and of the Palestinians have flared at Emory since Hamas militants attacked Israel in early October.

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