The White House has strongly condemned the ongoing anti-Israel protests at Columbia University and other colleges across the United States, labeling the actions as “blatantly antisemitic” and “dangerous”. Andrew Bates, White House deputy press secretary, stated, “While every American has the right to peaceful protest, calls for violence and physical intimidation targeting Jewish students and the Jewish community are blatantly antisemitic, unconscionable and dangerous – they have absolutely no place on any college campus or anywhere in the United States of America.”
The protests, which have involved setting up encampments on Columbia’s south lawn, escalated while the university’s president, Minouche Shafik, was testifying before Congress about antisemitism on campus.The demonstrations have included severe anti-Israel rhetoric, with protestors calling for an intifada and the death of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The situation intensified when a Jewish student was assaulted, being told to “kill yourself” and physically attacked.
In response to the growing tensions, the New York City Police Department arrested 108 individuals refusing to leave the encampment, issuing them summonses for trespassing. Columbia University has begun issuing suspension notices to the students involved.
The controversy surrounding the university’s response continues as President Shafik emphasizes the importance of community safety while facing criticism for not personally condemning the protests. Meanwhile, other institutions like The New School have also experienced similar protests, prompting discussions around divestment and financial transparency in university endowments.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his disgust at the antisemitism displayed, emphasizing that hate has no place in the city. He assured that the NYPD would act against any law violations reported. As Passover approaches, Mayor Adams also acknowledged the global Jewish community’s pain due to the protests and the broader conflicts in the Middle East, calling for unity against hate.
The situation at Columbia and other campuses continues to develop, with plans for further student walkouts demanding amnesty for protestors and divestment from what they call “Israeli apartheid.”
The protests, which have involved setting up encampments on Columbia’s south lawn, escalated while the university’s president, Minouche Shafik, was testifying before Congress about antisemitism on campus.The demonstrations have included severe anti-Israel rhetoric, with protestors calling for an intifada and the death of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The situation intensified when a Jewish student was assaulted, being told to “kill yourself” and physically attacked.
In response to the growing tensions, the New York City Police Department arrested 108 individuals refusing to leave the encampment, issuing them summonses for trespassing. Columbia University has begun issuing suspension notices to the students involved.
The controversy surrounding the university’s response continues as President Shafik emphasizes the importance of community safety while facing criticism for not personally condemning the protests. Meanwhile, other institutions like The New School have also experienced similar protests, prompting discussions around divestment and financial transparency in university endowments.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his disgust at the antisemitism displayed, emphasizing that hate has no place in the city. He assured that the NYPD would act against any law violations reported. As Passover approaches, Mayor Adams also acknowledged the global Jewish community’s pain due to the protests and the broader conflicts in the Middle East, calling for unity against hate.
The situation at Columbia and other campuses continues to develop, with plans for further student walkouts demanding amnesty for protestors and divestment from what they call “Israeli apartheid.”
