Jewish Columbia student claims assault by pro-Palestinian activist, fears for safety.
Jewish Israeli Student Attacked on Campus for Raising Awareness about Hostages
A Jewish Israeli student at Columbia University had a terrifying encounter with a pro-Palestinian activist on campus. The student, who wishes to remain anonymous, was attacked while trying to raise awareness about Israelis who have been taken hostage by Hamas.
The altercation began when the attacker started tearing down posters displaying the faces of the victims. The student suffered a broken finger and bruises from the assault.
Feeling unsafe on campus, the student expressed his concerns, saying, “As an Israeli Jewish student, I don’t feel safe going to campus anymore, which was promised to be a safe haven.”
The student had hung posters to shed light on the victims of Hamas attacks on innocent Israeli civilians. One torn poster, featuring a “Young Israeli Couple” kidnapped by Hamas, serves as evidence of the incident.
Ripped flier for Kidnapped Israelis
The alleged attacker was seen carrying a wooden stick, which was used in the assault. The student explained, “My friend and I went to him while he was tearing down posters we just hung asking him to stop and then he pushed me. I tried taking our posters and he hit me with that piece of wood.”
The alleged attacker was seen carrying a wooden stick
The NYPD confirmed that the attacker was a 19-year-old female and that she was taken into custody. Maxwell Friedman, the alleged attacker, was charged with assault.
Columbia University Public Safety acknowledged the incident and the subsequent arrest but did not confirm whether religious motives were involved.
The student and his friends decided to document the incident with their phones, as they had previously faced violence on campus. One friend had been spat on for speaking Hebrew, but no action was taken due to the lack of photographic evidence.
The alleged attacker is seen in an apparent scuffle with other students
The student received a call from Amber Griffiths, Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Wellbeing, who expressed shock and uncertainty about how to respond to the incident.
During the call, the student emphasized the lack of safety for Jewish students on campus and mentioned an upcoming rally organized by Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). He feared that the violence he experienced would pale in comparison to what might occur at the rally.
The Columbia SJP condemned General Studies Dean Lisa Rosen-Metsch for an email that they believed victimized Israeli soldiers and obscured Palestinian resistance as “terrorism.”
The student expressed his wish for universities to take a stronger stance against anti-Zionist and anti-Semitic violence to ensure the safety of Israeli and Jewish students.
Following the attack, Columbia University students discussed the events on Sidechat, confirming the arrest of the pro-Palestinian activist and providing details of the incident.
Screenshot: SideChat
Some students attempted to blame the Jewish students for the altercation and argued against the arrest of the activist based on race.
Anti-Israel activists are planning a national “Day of Resistance” to rally support for Palestinians.
How does the attack on the Jewish Israeli student at Columbia University raise concerns about the rise of anti-Israel sentiment on college campuses?
For questioning. They also stated that they are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime.
This attack on the Jewish Israeli student raises serious concerns about the rise of anti-Israel sentiment on college campuses. Universities should be places of tolerance, diversity, and free speech, where students feel safe expressing their opinions and raising awareness about important issues. It is deeply troubling that a student was physically assaulted for exercising his right to freedom of expression.
The pro-Palestinian activist’s actions are not only morally wrong but also counterproductive to any meaningful dialogue or understanding between Israelis and Palestinians. It is important to remember that not all Israelis support or are responsible for the actions of the Israeli government. By attacking a student who was attempting to shed light on the victims of Hamas attacks, the alleged attacker only perpetuates the cycle of violence and animosity between the two communities.
Universities have a duty to protect and uphold the rights of all students. They must ensure that Jewish and Israeli students, like any other student, can freely express their identities, beliefs, and concerns without fear of physical harm or intimidation. It is imperative for Columbia University to take swift action in addressing this incident and sending a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated on its campus.
Moreover, it is crucial for university campuses to foster an inclusive environment where different perspectives and narratives are respected. This incident highlights the need for open and constructive dialogue on important and sensitive issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Through respectful discussions and engagement, students can learn from one another and work towards mutual understanding and empathy.
In conclusion, the attack on the Jewish Israeli student at Columbia University is a disturbing incident that should not be overlooked. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Jewish and Israeli students on college campuses when expressing their views. Universities must ensure the safety and well-being of all students, regardless of their identity or beliefs. It is our collective responsibility to promote a campus culture that values diversity, respects freedom of expression, and fosters dialogue and understanding.
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