2 Jewish DePaul students showing support for Israel attacked, punched on campus, police and school officials say

CHICAGO — Two Jewish students at DePaul's Lincoln Park campus who were visibly showing support for Israel were punched by masked attackers Wednesday, according to the university's president and Chicago police.

Two masked people punched the Jewish students Wednesday around 3:20 p.m. in front of the Student Center at 2250 North Sheffield Ave., president Robert Manuel said in a letter to students and faculty. He said the students sustained physical injuries, but declined medical treatment.

Chicago police said the unknown men approached the two victims on foot. They struck one victim, a 27-year-old man, in his face and body, before pushing the other victim, a 21-year-old man, to the ground. They then fled northbound, police said.

One of the attackers was wearing a black mask, white t-shirt and khaki pants, while the other wore a black mask, black hooded jacket and black pants, according to a school public safety alert.

"We are outraged that this occurred on our campus," Manuel said in the letter. "It is completely unacceptable and a violation of DePaul's values to uphold and care for the dignity of every individual."

"We will continue to do everything possible to ensure DePaul is a safe and welcoming space for every member of our diverse university community," he also said. "We recognize that for a significant portion of our Jewish community, Israel is a core part of their Jewish identity. Those students — and every student — should feel safe on our university campus."

Police said no suspects are in custody, and that they are investigating the incident, which is currently classified as a battery. Manuel said the university is working with police to determine whether to classify the attack as a hate crime.

Manuel said anyone with information on the attack should contact DePaul Public Safety at 773-325-7777 for Lincoln Park or 312-362-8400 for the Loop campus.