The end of the spring semester saw a surge of protests on college campuses nationwide in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict. These protests, however, have taken on a disturbing new dimension, revealing an underlying anti-Western and anti-American sentiment. This is particularly evident at Columbia University, where radical student groups like Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) have orchestrated a series of disruptive actions.
These groups distributed pamphlets instructing students on how to occupy university buildings and even tore down welcoming decorations meant for incoming freshmen. The Columbia Spectator, the university’s student newspaper, was used to disseminate propaganda and misinformation, including an article titled “Welcome to the People’s University for Palestine” that encouraged students to participate in anti-Israel protests.
The escalation of these protests mirrors the extremist behavior witnessed on April 30, 2024, when student mobs chanted slogans calling for the destruction of Tel Aviv and the targeting of pro-Israel students. They stormed Hamilton Hall, held sanitation workers hostage, and vandalized property. While some media outlets labeled these actions as ‘pro-Palestinian’ or ‘anti-Israel,’ the true nature of these protests was a rejection of Western values.
The burning of American flags, alongside Israeli flags, was a clear indication that these students held a deep-seated hatred for America and its values. This anti-American sentiment echoed at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where protesters again burned the American flag.
This disturbing trend highlights a growing radicalism within the so-called ‘pro-Palestinian’ movement, transforming it into a hotbed of hatred and extremism. The contrast between these protests and the sacrifice of American soldiers serving overseas is stark.
Visiting Fort Liberty, I witnessed firsthand the dedication of our military personnel, who risk their lives to protect our freedom and combat extremism abroad. A retired soldier shared his experience witnessing the burning of American flags during protests in Iraq, highlighting the deep-seated anger and hatred directed toward the US. This is the same radicalism that our troops fight against, and it is now alarmingly present on American college campuses.
We cannot allow this radicalism to take root and fester within our own borders. It is crucial to honor the sacrifices of our soldiers by standing against this extremist movement. The burning of American flags and the display of Hamas or Hezbollah flags have no place on our college campuses or in our streets. We must fight this radicalism with the same strength and dedication as our troops fight it abroad.
