Pitt students attacked on their way to Shabbat services
Attacker was wearing a keffiyeh
Two University of Pittsburgh students were attacked on their way to Shabbat services Friday evening by a man wearing a keffiyeh, a scarf symbolizing solidarity with the Palestinian cause. The man, later identified as Jarrett Buba, 52, of Oakland, allegedly threw a bottle at the students, who were both wearing yarmulkes, according to TribLive.
The incident occurred near the Cathedral of Learning.
One of the students tackled Buba and subdued him until police arrived at the scene, according to several media reports.
Pitt Police responded immediately and took Buba into custody. Buba initially gave a series of false names before correctly identifying himself. He has no know affiliation to Pitt, according to a statement from a university spokesperson.
The students were treated at the scene for injuries. One student was taken to the hospital to be checked for a possible concussion, according to TribLive, and was released after a few hours.
Buba was charged with two felony counts of aggravated assault, two misdemeanor accounts of simple assault and reckless endangerment, TribLive reported. He also faces charges of resisting arrest and two summary charges of harassment.
The FBI’s Pittsburgh office also is investigating the possibility charging Buba with a hate crime. He was denied bail and is being held in the Allegheny County Jail.
Pitt’s Chancellor Joan Gabel responded immediately to the attack and connected with the Hillel Jewish University Center and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh.
“To be clear, neither acts of violence nor antisemitism will be tolerated,” the university said in a statement.
The fall semester began Monday.
The students met again today with law enforcement and Pitt leaders as the investigation continues.
“No Jewish student should be afraid or be under threat of violence while walking on or near campus,” the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh said in a prepared statement. “There is no place for antisemitism, hate or violence in our community. And while we are saddened by this, we are grateful for the ongoing collaboration with Hillel JUC, our university leaders, and law-enforcement.”
“The safety of our Jewish students remains a priority,” Hillel Jewish University Center said in a prepared statement, “and we will continue to be a home away from home for them, providing them with care, support and community.” PJC
Toby Tabachnick can be reached at ttabachnick@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.
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