ANN ARBOR, MI — Two Jewish organizations are offering nearly $2,000 for information about about a string of assaults at University of Michigan, bringing a total reward up to roughly $8,000.
Betar USA and Shields of David have offered $1,800 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of people involved in three recent assaults the groups say were fueled by antisemitism.
“One week after the first assault there still has not been an arrest. Why is the university not offering a reward? Why is the university keeping so quiet?” Victor Naar, a spokesperson for Betar, said in a statement. “Three assaults on Jews in the course of a week is unacceptable. Shame on the University of Michigan.”
Police are investigating after a 19-year-old man was assaulted around 1 a.m. Sept. 15 near Hill Street and S. Forest Avenue. A group of unknown men behind him asked if he was Jewish and assaulted him when he said yes, Ann Arbor police previously said.
They are also investigating a pair of assaults in the 1000 block of East University Avenue over the weekend. A group of people in front of a home confronted the students, police said.
Read more: University of Michigan students assaulted, police step up patrols near campus
The incidents happened outside a home where students from a Jewish fraternity live, confirmed Chris Page, spokesperson for the Ann Arbor police. The department did not release any additional information about the assaults, including exact time and what the assaults entailed.
Although the motive for the assaults has yet to be determined, Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan police said they plan to increase patrols in the area.
“Clearly at this point University of Michigan is not safe for Jews,” Naar said. “Those considering the university should re-consider their choice. The school has given lip service to Jews.”
After the Sept. 15 assault, University of Michigan President Santa Ono made a statement on social media.
“We stand firmly against antisemitism and all bias-motivated behavior,” Ono said. “We are committed to creating a community where every student, faculty member, staff member or visitor can thrive without the fear of threats, intimidation or violence.”
The most recent reward was preceded by a combined $6,000 offered by other organizations immediately after the first assault. The Anti-Defamation League offered $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction, while the Council on American-Islamic Relations Michigan Chapter offered a $1,000 reward.