Callaway study room, dorm allegedly vandalized ahead of Jewish High Holidays

A Callaway House resident returned after Labor Day Weekend to find their mezuzah, a sacred Jewish object, removed from where it was hung on their door.

Days later, residents found the words “love kills hate” under a drawing of a Star of David holding hands with a swastika in a study room. The word “hate” appeared above the Star of David and the word “love” appeared above the swastika.

These incidents occurred shortly before the Jewish High Holidays, which begin with Rosh Hashanah at sundown Sept. 11 and end with Yom Kippur after nightfall on Monday. In preparation for the observances, a rabbi from Jewish student center UT Austin Chabad helped Callaway residents place mezuzahs outside their rooms.

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“I felt very scared, and I was disappointed because I know there are so many Jewish students that live in this building,” said the student, who requested anonymity out of fear of retaliation. “It’s such a hateful thing, especially in the height of the Jewish High Holidays.”

Following the incident, affected residents contacted Callaway House management and filed reports with the UT Police Department. The investigation is ongoing, according to a Callaway House spokesperson.

Callaway House management notified all residents and parents of the incidents in an email, providing its next steps and no-tolerance policy.

“We are deeply saddened and disturbed by this behavior, which does not reflect our values at Callaway House,” a Callaway House spokesperson wrote in an email. “We have zero tolerance for harassment or discrimination in our community and are dedicated to creating environments where all students can thrive both personally and academically.”

Callaway House is currently working with UTPD to increase security measures to prevent future incidents, according to the spokesperson.

“They’re handling it as a hate crime, which means a lot to us,” the student said. “I appreciated how they were able to acknowledge that it’s a very holy time for Jewish people and that this happening during that is obviously very sad and difficult.”

 The new safety measures have included additional security near the building’s entrance at night and proposals for safety workshops on securing rooms and staying safe at night, the student said.

“They’ve increased security a lot, which has been amazing (because) it’s definitely making residents feel safer,” the student said.

Callaway House representatives also wrote they are working with UT Austin Chabad to identify additional ways to support Jewish students.

“This period (of time), in between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, that’s meant to be a period of forgiveness and the coming of a new year,” the student said. “I think it’s a fresh start for us, and it’s a good time to come together instead of being separated, and stand up for the things that we all believe in.”