A Jewish Columbia University student was attacked during an anti-Israel protest on campus. Elisha “Lishi” Baker, 21, was told to “kill yourself” and kicked in the stomach after his shirt was set on fire by demonstrators. Baker said he felt that the protesters did not see his humanity. The incident occurred as Baker and his friend David Lederer attended the protest out of curiosity, with Lederer carrying an American flag. The protesters chanted antisemitic slurs and insults, escalating to physical violence when a demonstrator aggressively kicked Baker in the stomach.
Tarek Bazrouk, 19, was arrested on assault charges for causing redness and pain to Baker’s abdomen. Lederer also experienced hostility from the anti-Israel demonstrators, who burned his American flag and called him and his group “genocide supporters.” Both students expressed shock and sadness over the level of hatred and violence they witnessed at the protest. They are documenting the protests to highlight the anti-American sentiment and aggression present among some demonstrators in New York City. The incidents at Columbia University occurred as the NYPD arrested 108 people for trespassing after the protesters set up an encampment on a campus lawn.
Amidst the chaos at Columbia University, around 500 students left their classrooms to confront police officers, hurling insults and accusations at them. The police reported that some protesters referred to them as the “KKK” and “baby killers,” and told them to “go kill ourselves.” While many of the protesters were peaceful and cooperated with officers, there was a segment of the crowd that engaged in aggressive and hateful behavior. The Jewish students affected by the anti-Israel protest are calling attention to the rise of antisemitism and anti-American sentiment at the demonstrations. Lederer emphasized that the issue should not be viewed solely as a Jewish problem, but as a broader societal issue that needs to be addressed.
Both Baker and Lederer expressed concern over the state of the world and the level of hatred and violence they encountered at the protest. They highlighted the importance of documenting and sharing their experiences to raise awareness about the extreme views and actions of some demonstrators. The incidents at Columbia University underscored the need for increased dialogue and understanding among different groups, as well as the importance of standing up against hate and discrimination. The students are committed to shedding light on the troubling trends they witnessed during the protest and advocating for tolerance, respect, and peaceful coexistence in society.
