A recent poll conducted by Intelligent, an online magazine focused on higher education, found that the majority of college students support the anti-Israel protests that have been occurring on campuses across the country. Sixty-five percent of students surveyed expressed their support for the demonstrations, which have taken place on more than 80 US campuses. The poll also revealed that 15% of participants in these demonstrations do not believe that Israel has a right to exist.
Among the supporters of the protests, 43% have taken part in a demonstration for Gaza themselves, and 63% have expressed at least some sympathy for Hamas terrorists who killed over 1,200 Israelis during a surprise attack on October 7. Additionally, one in 10 of those polled admitted to having an unfavorable opinion of Jewish people. The survey also found that TikTok was the top source for information on the Israel-Hamas war among the students polled, surpassing other social media outlets, news, friends and family, and professors.
Thirty-six percent of the students who support the anti-Israel rallies also support participants engaging in violence, while 35% back the use of hate speech. Seventy-five percent of supporters approve of encampments, and 45% are okay with blocking students from getting to class as a form of protest. Some respondents cited reasons for backing the demonstrations, such as believing in the cause or wanting to support something political. Thirty-six percent said that the protests have actually increased their support for the Palestinian cause.
The poll also revealed that more than 2,000 arrests have occurred at the anti-Israel protests, with only 24% of respondents expressing strong support for consequences for student protesters who break the law. Additionally, approximately 38% of respondents support cancelling graduation ceremonies due to the protests. Both Columbia University and the University of California in Los Angeles have already canceled their upcoming main commencement ceremonies after weeks of campus turmoil. Moreover, nearly half of Americans support banning anti-Israel protesters from campuses entirely, according to another recent poll.
The shocking poll results shed light on the strong support for anti-Israel protests among college students, with a significant percentage expressing sympathy for Hamas terrorists and a lack of belief in Israel’s right to exist. The findings also highlight the role of social media platforms such as TikTok in shaping students’ views on the Israel-Hamas conflict. The survey demonstrates a divide among respondents on issues such as use of violence and hate speech in protests, as well as consequences for law-breaking protesters. The cancellation of graduation ceremonies at prominent universities due to campus turmoil underscores the impact of the protests on academic institutions. Overall, the poll paints a complex portrait of student attitudes towards the Israel-Palestine conflict and the controversial protests that have sparked debate across the country.
