Chancellor Jones' full statement.

In a statement sent to University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) students on Sunday night, Chancellor Robert J. Jones expressed concern over the "growing national instances of intolerance, especially on college campuses." 

"...anti-Semitic attacks hidden under the guise of anti-Zionist rhetoric are all too common," Jones said in the statement. "Members of our Jewish, African American, Latino/a and many other residents of our diverse community find themselves asking whether they are welcome and safe here. The answer to that - whether in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago, or any other place in this country - must be a clear and resounding: 'Yes, you are.'"

JUF staff and leadership have been in touch with key influencers since the Sept. 5 rally.

"Chancellor Jones' statement represents significant progress in that it recognizes the connection between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism," said John Lowenstein, JUF's vice president of campus affairs. "We hope and expect that the Chancellor's words will be followed by meaningful actions."

Hayley Nagelberg, co-president of IlliniPAC, said she and other student leaders will continue to advocate for UIUC to take "concrete steps" towards protecting pro-Israel and Jewish students.

"Individuals and organizations who perpetuate hate must be held accountable," Nagelberg said. "We will continue our efforts until that is achieved. We pride our community on being student-led and student driven.  We have amazing networks of support from the broader Jewish and pro-Israel community, yet know that it is the student experience that must be shared to our campus leadership."