Progressive anti-Israel activists, including those at Columbia University, are linked to far-left groups with radical associations and are backed by George Soros, a liberal mega-donor. National Students for Justice in Palestine (NSJP), affiliated with around 200 independent chapters, has been vocal at Columbia University recently, demanding protection from arrest or removal by school administrators during their encampment. NSJP operates under Westchester Peace Action Committee Foundation (WESPAC), which previously received a six-figure donation from a nonprofit funded by the George Soros network. WESPAC has a history of anti-Israel rhetoric, including accusing the government of “apartheid,” “ethnic cleansing,” and “war crimes.”
NSJP has also been accused of comparing Israel’s treatment of Palestinians to Nazi Germany and promoting Hamas propaganda. After the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, NSJP released a statement calling it a “historic win for the Palestinian resistance” and advocating for armed confrontation with oppressors. NSJP’s founder, Hatem Bazian, has made controversial antisemitic statements, called for an “intifada” in the U.S., defended Hamas on social media, and supported the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Bazian has ties to Reps. Summer Lee, Barbara Lee, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib.
In addition to Columbia University, NSJP has been active at other universities, including UCLA, USC, and the University of Texas. Another group at Columbia, Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), has received significant funding from George Soros-linked groups and the Rockefeller Fund. JVP opposes U.S. assistance to Israel and supports allowing Palestinians to live on land vacated by Arabs during the Israeli War of Independence. JVP has condemned violence and blamed universities for failing to protect Palestinian students during protests.
Soros-backed groups, including U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights, have paid “fellows” to organize and attend anti-Israel protests across the country. The Open Society Foundations, funded by George Soros, have historically fought against antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racism, and support the rights of Palestinians and Israelis. Open Society’s funding of various U.S. groups advocating for peaceful resolution to the conflict in Israel and the OPT is publicly disclosed and compliant with U.S. laws. The organization supports the right of citizens to peaceful protest as a fundamental principle of democracy.
Overall, progressive anti-Israel activists associated with far-left groups and funded by George Soros have been actively protesting at various universities across the country. These activists, including NSJP and JVP, have been accused of spreading anti-Israel rhetoric, promoting violent rhetoric, and comparing Israel’s actions to Nazi Germany. George Soros’ Open Society Foundations have supported a broad spectrum of U.S. groups advocating for the rights of Palestinians and Israelis and peaceful resolution to the conflict, as part of their commitment to continued open debate for peace in the region. Despite criticism, Soros’ organization continues to support the right of citizens to peaceful protest as a fundamental tenet of democracy.
