A Jewish Pitt student expressed concerns regarding their instructor, Vasili Rukhadze, comparing mask-wearing to the Holocaust in class last week. Pitt officials said the faculty member’s comments “stand in direct opposition to our values.”

Hillel and RSA hosted the first of the four-part town hall series Sunday evening. About 60 people attended the Q&A session with local Jewish activists which focused on historical and modern anti-Semitism. People could submit their questions before the panel, or through a chat feature during the zoom call.

A number of Jewish students say they experience difficulties with exams, professors and grades around the High Holy Days.