By The Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISCAP)
Columbia University is the oldest institution of higher education in New York, and the fifth oldest in the United States. Today, it is one of the world’s leading research institutions.5 Joint degree programs are available through Union Theological Seminary, the Jewish Theological Seminary of America and the Juilliard School, whilst Teachers College and Barnard College are official faculties of the university. Columbia University has additionally been at the forefront of an explosion of antisemitism on North American campuses since Hamas’s October 7 terrorist attack on Israel in which some 1,200 people were murdered and over 240 people were taken hostage. Students and faculty at Columbia University have openly praised the terrorist attack by Hamas and have contributed to an environment at Columbia University in which Jewish students and staff do not feel safe. Two lawsuits have been filed against Columbia University and a Congressional hearing has been held concerning its failure to protect its Jewish constituents amid rising campus antisemitism. Despite receiving large amounts of funding from Qatar over the years, Columbia University has not reported any of this funding to the Department of Education (DOE). Moreover, there have been no references to connections between Columbia University and Qatar or Qatari entities in its financial statements. The relationship between Qatar and Columbia University is characterized by varying degrees of collaboration that have endured over an extended period of time. They include:6 a. Collaboration with Qatar Foundation International There are two joint projects between Columbia University and Qatar Foundation International (QFI). Estimated Qatari funding: $500,000. b. National Priorities Research Program (NPRP) Grants Within the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), there are six NPRP projects that involve collaboration with Columbia University. ISGAP estimates the Qatari contribution to Columbia University to be approximately $250,000 for each project. Estimated Qatari estimated funding: $1,500,000. c. Qatar and Columbia University Energy Partnerships ISGAP has found seven research projects involving collaboration between the Gas Processing Center (GPC) at Qatar University and Columbia University’s Department of Chemistry. Estimated Qatari funding: $1,750,000. d. Qatar & Columbia University Education Partnerships In April 2014, the Qatar Foundation (QF) hosted a delegation from Columbia University in Education City, Qatar. 7 In addition, on September 20, 2019, the Qatar Foundation’s World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) held an international conference, alongside UNESCO and Teachers College, Columbia University, that was attended by six Columbia staff. 8 It is difficult to estimate the Qatari funding budget to Columbia University faculty for these activities. e. Student Grants The Amiri Scholarship Program, which is fully funded by the State of Qatar, is designed to sponsor university students for full-time undergraduate and graduate studies abroad at leading international universities. ISGAP has uncovered that 14 Qataris have obtained degrees from Columbia University between 2006 and 2023. Collectively, these individuals have amassed a total of 38 years of study at the university. Estimated Qatari funding: $3,420,000. As noted above, none of this foreign funding has been reported to the DOE, in violation of existing regulations. This report starts by examining the explosion of antisemitism on Columbia University’s campus since October 7, 2023. This is followed by an exploration of the role of Columbia’s chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) in fostering a hostile environment at the university. Next, a brief investigation of the Middle East Institute at Columbia is presented, followed by an analysis of the financial relationship between Qatar and Columbia University. The report concludes with a number of policy recommendations.
Miami Beach, FL: New York: The Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP), 2024. 37p.