Chaos has unfolded on the campus of Columbia University as anti-Israel demonstrations have reached new heights. In response to the unrest, the school has made the decision to move all classes to virtual platforms and has strongly advised students who commute to not visit the campus due to safety concerns.
At the heart of this turmoil lies an encampment set up by protesters on the campus grounds. Despite initial permission from the university, these tents have been deemed a violation of university policy. The protesters, who are calling on the university to divest from companies affiliated with Israel, have remained on campus, disregarding instructions to leave.
The protests have taken a sinister turn with the emergence of antisemitic chants and slogans. Protesters have been heard shouting, “We are Hamas!” and “Kill another soldier now.” One Jewish student was reportedly kicked in the stomach during the demonstrations, while another was told to “kill yourself.”
In a statement, Columbia University President Dr. Nemat “Minouche” Shafik expressed deep sadness over the events unfolding on campus. She highlighted the impact these protests have had on Jewish students and the need to address security concerns.
The New York City Police Department has taken action, arresting over 100 protesters who refused to vacate the encampment. Actress Susan Sarandon joined the demonstrations, marching with students and leading anti-Israel chants.
In response to the “We are Hamas” chants, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre condemned the antisemitism and emphasized the importance of combating it. The White House doubled down on this message on Sunday, reiterating that calls for violence and intimidation against Jewish students are unacceptable.
The ongoing protests at Columbia University have sparked a nationwide conversation about antisemitism and the limits of free speech on college campuses. The school’s administration faces the challenge of balancing the rights of protesters with the safety and well-being of its students amidst heightened tensions.
