Efe Ercelik, a student at UMass Amherst and former student of Columbia University, was involved in a violent incident on November 3, 2023, where he reportedly physically and verbally assaulted a Jewish student during a Jewish event organized by UMass Hillel. Ercelik’s actions, including the use of slurs and physical violence, have drawn widespread condemnation and raised concerns about escalating tensions on campus.
Ercelik’s alleged behavior included punching and kicking the student, tearing apart a flag with a knife, and making aggressive threats. Witnesses who attempted to intervene were also reportedly assaulted. Ercelik was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including assault with a dangerous weapon and vandalism.
Efe Ercelik’s Detailed Attack
The altercation occurred during a peaceful demonstration by UMass Hillel calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas. Witnesses reported that Ercelik approached a Jewish student holding a flag, shouting inflammatory rhetoric and issuing threats. He then punched the student in the face, shoved him, and kicked him in the stomach. Witnesses attempting to intervene were also assaulted during the incident.
Following the physical assault, Ercelik reportedly grabbed the Israeli flag, spat on it, and stabbed it with a chef’s knife. He subsequently tore up the remnants of the flag and disposed of them in a trash can.
Ercelik was arrested later that day and charged with multiple counts, including:
- Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (chef’s knife)
- Assault and battery
- Assault and battery with intent to intimidate
- Larceny and vandalism
- Disorderly conduct
Ercelik was released on $250 bail under strict conditions, including surrendering his passports, maintaining a 50-yard distance from the victims, avoiding contact with the named individuals, and staying off the UMass Amherst campus. His next court date was scheduled for January 16, 2024.
