A hate crime investigation is underway after an attack on Jewish students outside the DePaul Student Center on the Lincoln Park campus

CHICAGO (WLS) – According to DePaul University officials, two Jewish students who appeared to show support for Israel were physically attacked outside the Lincoln Park campus on Wednesday afternoon.

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Chicago Jewish Alliance founder Josh Weiner said students were traumatized after the attack near the student center.

Officials said the two students appeared to be showing their support for Israel when they were beaten by people wearing masks.

Their injuries were minor and both Jewish students refused medical treatment.

Weiner said he wants students to tell their stories when they are ready and he is appalled by the alleged anti-Semitism on college campuses.

In a message to students and staff, DePaul’s president said:

“We are outraged that this happened on our campus. It is completely unacceptable and a violation of DePaul’s values ​​of upholding and respecting the dignity of every individual.”

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One student said he was scared when he saw the warning.

“We may disagree with others, we may not have the same views as others, but you shouldn’t just behave like that in this situation,” said student Aidan Smith. “That is simply not necessary in our country at the moment.”

The Anti-Defamation League Midwest Regional Director released the following statement:

“Despite the warnings and concerns, Chicago’s Jewish community continues to be the target of anti-Semitic harassment, vandalism and violence. ADL has found a 300% increase in the number of anti-Semitic incidents in Chicago in the last year. We can’t help but ask.”: Is this the new normal for Jews in Chicago?

The university is working with Chicago police to determine whether a hate crime was committed and whether the students were targeted because of their Jewish identity.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call DePaul Public Safety at 773-325-7777 in Lincoln Park or 312-362-8400 for the Loop campus.