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A hate crime incident at Syracuse University's Zeta Beta Tau fraternity during Rosh Hashanah has sparked outrage and condemnation. On Tuesday (September 23), 18-year-old Samuel Patten allegedly entered the fraternity house and threw a bag of pork at a wall while members were celebrating the Jewish New Year. Patten, a student at Syracuse University, fled the scene in a vehicle driven by another student, 18-year-old Kyle Anderson. Both have been charged with burglary as a hate crime and criminal nuisance.
The fraternity's president, Danny Lax, described the attack as an "act of ignorance, intolerance and hatred," emphasizing the impact on the Jewish community and beyond. He stated, "The actions that took place at our house not only hurt our fraternity, but also the broader Jewish community and beyond." Lax urged people to stand against all forms of hate and uphold values of equality and respect.
Syracuse police classified the incident as a "religiously motivated attack" on the historically Jewish fraternity. The Onondaga County District Attorney, William Fitzpatrick, stressed that the incident would not be treated as a mere prank, stating, "It will be treated for what it is, a crime directed against a group of Jewish students enjoying a celebratory dinner and seemingly secure in their residence."
Syracuse University's Chief Student Experience Officer, Allen Groves, condemned the act, calling it "abhorrent" and contrary to the university's values of inclusivity. The university has referred the students to its Office of Community Standards for potential disciplinary action.
The incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of antisemitism on campus. In 2019, Syracuse University faced similar challenges, including antisemitic emails sent to a Jewish professor and a series of racist incidents that led to the cancellation of fraternity activities.
Both Patten and Anderson have been released from the Onondaga County Justice Center on bail set at $1,500. They await further legal proceedings as the community grapples with the implications of the attack.