In recent anti-Israel protests at Columbia and New York universities, nearly 230 people were arrested, but the majority received only slaps on the wrist. One-hundred sixteen people at NYU were issued summonses for trespassing, while the remaining four received Desk Appearance Tickets. Similarly, 108 individuals at Columbia, including Rep. Ilhan Omar’s daughter, were arrested and let off with summonses. Despite the police intervention, activists on both campuses remain undeterred, with one NYU graduate student questioning why they couldn’t set up a tent on campus. The police intervention did not seem to deter the protesters, as one was overheard boasting about banging a Stanley cup for Palestine.
During the protests, a protester at NYU was seen with a bag of pastries from Lafayette bakery, stating they would demand a refund if NYU moved to hybrid classes like Columbia. Additionally, a student and refugee at NYU reported witnessing children being treated poorly by the police during the protests. Some Jewish students, however, have expressed feeling unsafe on campus, with one student considering leaving NYU after facing antisemitic harassment. Another student, who had lost family members during the Intifada, expressed feeling uncomfortable and unsafe as a Jew at NYU.
At Columbia, the tent encampment continued despite the rain, wind, and cold, with access to the campus restricted to university ID holders. Jewish students at Columbia reported escalating feelings of unrest due to alleged taunts and threats of physical violence. Senator Tom Cotton denounced the encampments as “nascent pogroms” and called on President Biden to send the National Guard to break up the groups. The ongoing protests have created a tense atmosphere on campus, with both pro-Palestinian and Jewish students feeling increasingly unsafe and uncomfortable.
The anti-Israel protests have sparked controversy and tension on both campuses, with activists advocating for Palestinian rights and others expressing concern for Jewish students’ safety. Despite the arrests and police intervention, the protests have continued, highlighting the ongoing tensions and conflicts surrounding the Israel-Palestine issue. The protests have also brought to light the fragility of campus safety and the challenges faced by students from different backgrounds. The situation remains unresolved, with both sides continuing to stand their ground and advocate for their respective causes. The protests have not only affected the university campuses but have also had broader implications for the community at large, highlighting the complex and deeply rooted issues surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
