Two Syracuse University students charged in hate-crime incident at Jewish fraternity during Rosh Hashanah

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Two Syracuse University students have been charged with hate crimes after authorities say one of them entered the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity house and tossed a bag of pork into a Rosh Hashanah gathering. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. Tuesday at the fraternity's campus residence, university police said. The two 18-year-olds were captured soon after and have been charged with burglary as a hate crime and criminal nuisance.

Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick said the hate crime charge reflects that the act happened on a Jewish holiday at a historically Jewish fraternity. "This incident is not a foolish college prank and will not be treated as such," Fitzpatrick said. "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."

Groves said the two men have been referred to the university’s Office of Community Standards for potential disciplinary action under the school's Student Conduct Code. "Tonight’s incident, as reported to us, is abhorrent, shocking to the conscience and violates our core value of being a place that is truly welcoming to all," Groves said. "It will not be tolerated at Syracuse University."

University police said the case will be reviewed under the Student Conduct Code, while the district attorney’s office pursues criminal charges. The university condemned the act and said it will coordinate with campus safety and the DA to ensure accountability. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about safety and the protection of Jewish students during religious observances on college campuses.