Columbia University Faces Backlash Over Dining Menu on Terror Attack Anniversary

Columbia University faced criticism after a dining menu on campus appeared to reference the anniversary of fatal Hamas attacks by featuring “October 7th Blush Sauce”. This occurred on the third anniversary of the tragic events.

The incident came to light when Simone Saidmehr, a correspondent for the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, shared an image highlighting the menu entry that placed “October 7th” next to “Blush Sauce”. This led many to believe it referenced the victims of the attacks, which claimed approximately 1,200 lives.

Vicki Dunn, assistant vice president of Columbia Dining, addressed the issue with Fox News Digital, explaining the menu printing was an “unfortunate mistake”. Dunn stated the menu was corrected shortly after the error was identified.

This was an unfortunate mistake and was not intended as a reference to the events of October 7,

Columbia University reiterated that the error was not a deliberate reference to the attacks in a statement on social media.

The university had previously been the site of protests and encampments following the attacks. It faced multiple federal civil rights investigations alleging it failed to protect Jewish students.

By July 2025, Columbia University settled a federal lawsuit for $221 million, addressing accusations of discriminatory practices and antisemitic employment discrimination.

Anti-Israel protests have recurred on campus. Activists from The Columbia Intifada staged a demonstration shortly after the menu controversy. Columbia University maintains that this group is not officially associated with the institution.