Hundreds of students across college campuses in the nation are protesting the Israel-Hamas war, demanding that schools cut financial ties to Israel and divest from companies enabling the conflict. However, reports of antisemitic activity among the protestors have caused some universities to shut down the encampments. Jewish students have spoken out about feeling fearful to set foot on campus due to the protests veering into antisemitism. The protests aim to draw attention to what they describe as a “genocide” in Gaza and their universities’ complicity in the war.
Police in riot gear cleared out a student encampment at Northeastern University in Boston after reports of antisemitic slurs, including “Kill the Jews.” The Huskies for a Free Palestine group disputed the university’s account, claiming that counterprotesters were to blame for the slurs and insisting that their event was peaceful. The University of Pennsylvania also called for an encampment of protesters on its campus to be disbanded due to violating university policies, but protests remained ongoing. The University of Columbia’s protests have inspired similar demonstrations across the country, with reports of outside agitators infiltrating the protest to spew hate and antisemitism.
Protesters nationwide are calling attention to the war in Gaza, where over 34,000 Palestinians have been killed, and hundreds of thousands pushed to the brink of famine. Critics of Israel say that accusations of antisemitism are used to silence opponents, while supporters of Israel argue that the protests are indeed antisemitic. Student protesters maintain that their movement is peaceful and aimed at defending Palestinian rights and protesting the war, with organizers including Jewish individuals. Schools have faced pressure from faculty members who have initiated votes of no confidence in leadership over the handling of the protests, leading to tensions as graduation ceremonies approach.
In response to the protests, universities have been calling in law enforcement to clear encampments, resulting in hundreds of arrests nationwide. California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, gave protestors until a certain deadline to leave, with only some complying. The tensions have led to schools like the University of Southern California canceling graduation ceremonies due to safety concerns. Colorado police swept through an encampment at Denver’s Auraria Campus, arresting around 40 protesters, and Denver mayor Mike Johnston visited the campus to call for the end of the encampment while encouraging peaceful protests.
The protests have extended beyond the United States, with students at the Paris Institute of Political Studies in France blocking access to campus buildings and moving classes online in solidarity with the protests. The wave of demonstrations has sparked international attention and support for Palestinian rights. As tensions continue to rise on campuses across the nation, schools are grappling with how to address the protests, allegations of antisemitic activity, and ensuring the safety of students and faculty involved. The ongoing demonstrations highlight the complex and contentious nature of the Israel-Hamas conflict and the various perspectives and voices involved in advocating for peace and justice.
