College students accuse Israel of being responsible for the Hamas terror attack.
Image CreditFDRLST / Canva
Students at prestigious universities nationwide are rallying behind Palestine following the recent Hamas attack on Israel. Over 30 Harvard student organizations joined forces to release a powerful statement on the day of the assault, placing the blame solely on Israel for the escalating violence.
At Columbia University, students from the groups Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace asserted that the Israeli extremist government, along with other Western governments, bears the responsibility for the war and casualties. Similarly, Students for Justice in Palestine at Northwestern University affirmed their unwavering commitment to shedding light on the profound injustices faced by the Palestinian people.
These statements all employ left-wing, anti-colonial rhetoric. Harvard students describe Israel as an “apartheid regime” that forces Palestinians into “colonial retaliation.” Columbia students characterize Israelis as “extremist… colonial-settlers.” Northwestern University students argue that it is a “grievous miscarriage of justice” to portray Palestinians as aggressors and deem it “morally untenable” to view Israel as the victim.
“From Algeria to Ireland, from South Africa to Vietnam, from East Timur to Tibet, and from Native American to Black American civil rights struggles, the human desire for autonomy and dignity has historically remained powerful and unwavering,” wrote the Northwestern students. “The Palestinian narrative and efforts are woven from this same fabric of endurance and determination.”
These statements have faced criticism from various professors and concerned alumni of these universities. Former Harvard University president and former National Economic Council member for President Obama, Lawrence Summers, expressed his disillusionment and alienation on Twitter, stating that he has never felt this way in his nearly 50 years of affiliation with Harvard. Summers also criticized the Harvard Administration for failing to condemn and distance the university from these student groups’ statement.
Investigative journalist Christopher Rufo responded to Summers, pointing out his own role in allowing these cultural forces to grow on Ivy League campuses. Rufo then shared a list of current Harvard courses on “decolonization.”
“It’s amazing to me how many center-left intellectuals, who have spent decades making excuses for the rhetoric of ‘decolonization,’ are now shocked to see what it means: the targeted demonization and murder of the ‘oppressor class,'” Rufo wrote in a separate tweet.
Here are some of the current Harvard courses on “decolonization,” promoting theories of “anticolonial struggle” and “how BIPOC communities forged [intersectional] solidarities to rebel against global white supremacy.”
In practice, decolonization means Gaza-style violence. pic.twitter.com/jygas8Pqox
— Christopher F. Rufo ⚔️ (@realchrisrufo) October 9, 2023
“Boomer hippies thought K-12 progressive indoctrination would turn kids into sensitive, feminized pro-choice climate change activists. But oops, they turned them into vicious little fanatics thirsty for blood instead,” added Federalist Senior Contributor Peachy Keenan.
Evita Duffy-Alfonso is a staff writer for The Federalist and co-founder of the Chicago Thinker. She has a deep love for the Midwest, lumberjack sports, writing, and her family. Follow her on Twitter at @evitaduffy_1 or contact her at [email protected].
What role has intersectional activism played in the increased support for Palestine on college campuses?
Ent their careers warning about the dangers of extremist ideologies, are now shocked—shocked!—to discover the presence of extremist ideologies on campus,” Rufo tweeted.
The rise of pro-Palestinian sentiment on college campuses is not a new phenomenon. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of support for Palestine and criticism of Israel among student groups and activists. This trend can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the influence of social media, the rise of intersectional activism, and a shift in public opinion towards a more critical view of Israel’s policies towards Palestine.
Social media has played a significant role in spreading awareness and mobilizing support for the Palestinian cause. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook allow users to share news articles, personal stories, and images that highlight the struggles faced by Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. Hashtags such as #FreePalestine and #SaveSheikhJarrah have gone viral, drawing attention to specific incidents and sparking conversations about the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Additionally, the rise of intersectional activism has contributed to the increased support for Palestine on college campuses. Intersectional activism recognizes the interconnectedness of various forms of oppression, including racism, sexism, and colonialism. Many student activists see the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a manifestation of colonialism and view their support for Palestine as part of a broader struggle for social justice.
Finally, public opinion has shifted in recent years, with a growing number of people questioning Israel’s policies towards Palestine. The continued expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, the blockade of Gaza, and the use of force against Palestinian protesters have drawn criticism from human rights organizations and sparked international outrage. This shift in public opinion has created a more supportive environment for pro-Palestinian activism on college campuses.
In conclusion, the recent statements from student organizations at prestigious universities in support of Palestine reflect a broader trend of growing support for Palestine and criticism of Israel among college students. This trend can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the influence of social media, the rise of intersectional activism, and a shift in public opinion towards a more critical view of Israel’s policies. As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to unfold, it is likely that pro-Palestinian sentiment on college campuses will continue to grow and shape the discourse around this contentious issue.
