NYC Gazette

At 18, Ellie Nathan had her future mapped out: accepted early decision to Barnard College, she was set to pursue her pre-med dreams at an Ivy League school.

Then came Oct. 7, and college campuses across the country erupted in anti-Israel protests; protests that were particularly virulent at Barnard and its across-the-street affiliate, Columbia University.

Nathan’s commitment began to waver; speaking with Jewish students on campus, she was appalled. “They told me, ‘People scream at you every time you walk across campus, but it’s not that bad, you get used to it. You just can’t take it too seriously,’” Nathan said. “Being verbally abused was part of their everyday routine. I couldn’t imagine living like that.”

Learning about Yeshiva University’s extended transfer deadline, she seized the opportunity, and in fall 2024, the Long Island resident will start Stern College for Women as a pre-med Honors student, joining many high school friends.

“Switching to YU feels right on so many levels,” Nathan said. “The Honors program is amazing, Stern’s 95% track record for getting girls accepted into medical school is unheard of, and I love that learning Torah is ingrained into the everyday schedule. That combined with the supportive environment of shared values made the decision so clear and has given me a sense of clarity and peace I haven’t felt in a long time.”

Nathan and many others from Ivy League universities like Cornell, Penn, and Columbia, as well as from other universities like BU, NYU and Michigan are making the move thanks in part to YU’s new Blue Square Scholars program. Created with a $1 million grant from Robert Kraft to help the university take in transferring students who are switching to YU for its quality education and nurturing campus atmosphere. The program furthers the university’s efforts to support Jewish college students throughout the country by providing necessary infrastructure to accommodate those drawn to its values of Jewish idealism and strong stand for Israel.

“YU is a safe and welcoming home from the antisemitism many students on today’s campuses are facing,” said Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, President of Yeshiva University. “No Jewish student should have to face the threats and intimidation that has sadly been taking place. While we extend our hand to be of any assistance in supporting efforts by universities to protect their students, we proudly stand with all Jewish students by offering them a values-based world-class education in a safe and supportive environment.”

Eliana Samuels transferred to YU from Columbia University after Oct. 7. Accepted early decision to Columbia — also began to doubt her choice.

“The idea of being on a campus where I have to avoid certain people and places where I’m afraid of getting hate-crimed where I can’t tell anyone that I’m a Zionist or Jewish because of what they might do was genuinely terrifying,” said Samuels.

It wasn’t long before she and her parents decided Stern was a much better option; she’ll begin Stern College for Women as a pre-med Honors student in fall 2024. “I’m looking forward to being in a place where I can be myself and get a great education,” Samuels said. She’s particularly excited about the guidance Stern provides on her path to medical school including class selection research opportunities med school applications. “I thought I would have to fend for myself but at Stern there’s so much personal attention support especially for pre-med students.”

Zachary Magerman who just completed his sophomore year at the University of Pennsylvania was already considering a move before Oct. 7 For him subsequent anti-Israel protests at Penn administration's lack highlighted deeper issue: his values didn't align with those university its students In fall 2024 Magerman psychology cognitive science major will join junior

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