US Colleges Erupt in Pro-Palestinian Protests after Columbia Arrests

TL/DR –

Protests have broken out across prestigious US universities including Columbia, Harvard, and Yale regarding Israel’s war with Hamas. Many pro-Palestinian students are demanding that their schools condemn Israel’s assault on Gaza and divest from companies that sell weapons to Israel, while some Jewish students feel that the criticism of Israel has veered into antisemitism and made them feel unsafe. Due to the tensions, Columbia has canceled in-person classes, NYU has seen dozens of arrests, and Harvard Yard has closed its gates to the public.

Tensions at Prestigious U.S Universities Over Israel’s War with Hamas

In-person classes at Columbia were canceled, numerous demonstrators were arrested at New York University and Yale, and Harvard Yard was closed to the public as the United States’ top universities grapple campus protests related to Israel’s war with Hamas.

Increased Protests and Arrests on Campuses

Over 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators at Columbia were arrested last week. Similar protests occur at universities nationwide as they struggle with balancing free speech and campus safety. NYU saw an influx of hundreds of protesters, leading to police intervention amidst reports of antisemitic incidents.

The Divide Among Students

These protests have divided students. Pro-Palestinian students demand their schools condemn Israel’s assault on Gaza and divest from Israeli weapon-selling companies. On the other hand, some Jewish students feel unsafe due to criticisms of Israel, which they perceive as antisemitic.

Response from University Officials

University President Minouche Shafik expressed deep sadness over the situation and announced the shift to virtual classes at Columbia. Protests have roiled campuses since Hamas’ deadly attack on southern Israel. The Gaza Strip has seen over 34,000 Palestinian casualties, including a significant number of children and women.

Impact on Jewish Campus Community

Jewish students are feeling increasingly unsafe on campuses due to the vilification of Zionism and Judaism. At Columbia, an encampment was set up amidst criticisms of President Shafik’s handling of antisemitism.

Other University Reactions

Harvard Yard was closed to the public, and the Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee was suspended due to policy violations. Yale saw about 45 arrests of trespassing protesters. Meanwhile, at MIT, students set up an encampment calling for a cease-fire and protesting MIT’s role in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

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