Amid ongoing anti-Israel protests at Columbia University, officials from the White House have remained silent on whether President Biden intends to deploy the National Guard to intervene. Senators Josh Hawley and Tom Cotton have called for federal intervention following disruptive protests that included calls for violence against Jews and Jewish students. Last week, anti-Israel agitators staged protests at the university, leading to the arrest of more than 100 students for trespassing. These protests have continued, with some participants chanting antisemitic slogans and endorsing violence against Jewish people.
In response to the ongoing conflict, Columbia University Rabbi Elie Buechler advised Jewish students to leave campus due to safety concerns. Columbia University President Dr. Nemat Shafik announced that classes would be virtual to prevent further violence. Shafik expressed sadness at the situation, stating that the university’s community bonds have been severely tested. She attributed the tensions to individuals unaffiliated with Columbia who have come to campus with their own agendas. Meanwhile, actress Susan Sarandon joined the anti-Israel protests at Columbia University, further escalating the situation.
President Biden issued a statement ahead of Passover, condemning rising antisemitism across the country. He referenced protests at Columbia University and emphasized the need to speak out against antisemitism in all its forms. Biden highlighted the history of persecution against Jews and called harassment and calls for violence against Jews reprehensible and dangerous. He stated that such behavior has no place on college campuses or anywhere in the country. The protests at Columbia University have been part of a larger wave of anti-Israel sentiment following Hamas’ attacks on innocent Israeli citizens in October.
Despite multiple inquiries from Fox News Digital, the White House has not commented on the situation at Columbia University or whether they believe federal intervention is necessary to address the protests. The silence from officials comes as tensions continue to escalate on campus, with clashes between protesters and police becoming more frequent. Some protesters have vocalized their support for Hamas and expressed antisemitic views. Columbia University has taken measures to address security concerns and move classes online to avoid further violence. The situation has garnered attention from politicians, activists, and the general public, prompting calls for action to address the ongoing conflict at the university.
The situation at Columbia University highlights the challenges related to free speech, political activism, and safety on college campuses. The protests have sparked debates about the boundaries of political expression and the need to ensure a safe environment for all students, regardless of their beliefs. The failure of the White House to provide a clear response to the situation has raised questions about the role of the federal government in addressing such incidents. As tensions continue to rise, it remains to be seen how the situation at Columbia University will be resolved and what steps will be taken to prevent similar conflicts from occurring in the future.
