Columbia University officials have ordered classes to be held virtually on Monday in an effort to de-escalate tensions on the New York City campus during pro-Palestinian demonstrations. More than 100 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested on Thursday after Columbia President Nemat “Minouche” Shafik authorized New York police to clear an encampment set up by students demonstrating against Israel’s war on Gaza.
Shafik, who understands the deep moral distress many are experiencing over the Middle East war, said in a note to the school community, “But we cannot have one group dictate terms and attempt to disrupt important milestones like graduation to advance their point of view.”
Elie Buechler, an Orthodox rabbi at Columbia University and its affiliate Barnard College, warned Jewish students in an online message that campus and city police cannot guarantee their safety. He strongly recommended that they return home and remain home until the situation improves.
The protests at Columbia, reminiscent of the anti-Vietnam War demonstrations held on campus more than 50 years ago, are part of a series of protests that have disrupted university campuses, bridges, and airports since Israel launched a devastating assault on the Gaza Strip on October 7 after an attack on southern Israel by Hamas.
