Tulane student shares assault on pro-Israel peer during protest.
The Clash at Tulane University: A Shocking and Unprovoked Attack
The incident that unfolded near Tulane University, where anti-Israel demonstrators tried to burn an Israeli flag and assaulted supporters of the Jewish state, took everyone by surprise. According to a witness who spoke to the Washington Free Beacon, the instigators seemed to have no affiliation with the university and their actions appeared to be unprovoked.
This disturbing event occurred during a rally held just off the Tulane campus, which is home to a significant Jewish population. In recent weeks, the Jewish community at Tulane had organized peaceful pro-Israel marches without any issues. However, leading up to the clash, a newly-formed Instagram account called “Tulane Students For Palestine” condemned the university’s support of Zionism and Israeli apartheid, accusing Israel of genocide. This group organized the rally and invited the broader New Orleans community to attend, as revealed by the anonymous Tulane student who spoke to the Free Beacon out of fear.
According to the student, the protest was disrupted by an orange truck that repeatedly drove by. Eventually, the truck stopped, and two individuals, possibly high schoolers, emerged from the back. One of them covered his face with a keffiyeh while the other attempted to burn an Israeli flag using a lighter. When a pro-Israel demonstrator tried to retrieve the flag, the keffiyeh-clad individual attacked him with the pole of a Palestinian flag. Two Arab men then joined in and assaulted the pro-Israel demonstrator, despite him not having provoked them. The student emphasized that these perpetrators did not appear to be Tulane students.
“The violence was completely unexpected. Our campus is usually peaceful,” the student expressed to the Free Beacon. “It escalated rapidly.”
Rising Anti-Semitism on College Campuses
This viral incident is part of a concerning trend of increased anti-Semitic attacks targeting Jewish Americans following Hamas’s terrorist assault on Israel. College campuses have become hotspots for such incidents. For instance, at a Harvard University protest against Israel, attendees harassed and physically confronted a first-year Israeli student, surrounded by keffiyeh-clad demonstrators shouting “SHAME!” The Tulane student never anticipated witnessing such an attack near her campus, given the significant Jewish population at the university.
Tulane Students for Palestine, in an Instagram post, mentioned that their rally ended at 1:45 pm but highlighted the presence of brave individuals continuing to rally against Zionists. In a subsequent post, the group expressed both excitement about the turnout and support received but also sadness over the arrests that occurred at the end of the rally. Local police confirmed the arrest of at least one anti-Israel demonstrator, who is not a Tulane student.
“Due to the legal implications of the situation, we are collaborating with a legal team to provide a more detailed statement,” the group stated on Instagram, although they did not respond to a request for comment. “Stay tuned for updates.”
Tulane University, which did not provide a comment, stated in a Thursday release that “a couple of Tulane students were assaulted and reported minor injuries.” The school assured that additional arrests would be made once video evidence was reviewed.
It remains uncertain whether Tulane Students for Palestine will organize future rallies. In their Instagram post prior to the clash, the group mentioned, “See you all again next week.”
What actions can Tulane University take to ensure the safety and security of all students, particularly within the Jewish population, in light of this incident?
Part of the Tulane University community and their actions were unprovoked and unexpected.
The clash at Tulane University has left many questioning the motives and intentions of the anti-Israel demonstrators. It is disheartening to see such acts of violence and aggression taking place on a university campus, where ideas and dialogue should be encouraged, rather than suppressed through physical attacks. The fact that these individuals had no affiliation with the university raises concerns about external influences and the intentions behind organizing such a rally.
Tulane University has a significant Jewish population, and it is commendable to see the peaceful pro-Israel marches that have taken place in recent weeks. However, the emergence of the “Tulane Students For Palestine” Instagram account and their condemnation of the university’s support of Zionism and Israeli apartheid has created tensions within the community. It is important to note that expressing differing opinions and advocating for causes is a fundamental right, but it should not be used as a platform to incite violence or hatred.
The presence of the orange truck during the protest raises further questions about the level of organization and planning behind this event. Was it a mere coincidence, or was it a deliberate tactic to disrupt the rally and incite violence? The individuals who emerged from the truck, possibly high schoolers, clearly had ill intentions as they attempted to burn an Israeli flag. This act of aggression not only violates the principles of peaceful protest but also shows a lack of respect for the rights and beliefs of others.
The attack on the pro-Israel demonstrator by the keffiyeh-clad individual and the subsequent assault by two other Arab men are indicative of a premeditated act of violence. It is disconcerting that these individuals chose to engage in physical confrontation without any provocation. This incident has left the Tulane community, especially the Jewish population, feeling vulnerable and concerned for their safety.
In response to this shocking attack, it is crucial for Tulane University and the broader New Orleans community to come together and condemn violence in all its forms. Universities should foster an environment of open dialogue, respect, and tolerance. It is important for all members of the university community to feel safe, regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds.
Tulane University should conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, focusing on identifying those responsible for the attack and ensuring appropriate consequences are enforced. Moreover, steps should be taken to foster a more inclusive and understanding campus environment, where students can express their views without fear of retribution or violence. Education and dialogue are essential tools to bridge gaps and foster understanding among diverse communities.
In conclusion, the clash at Tulane University between anti-Israel demonstrators and pro-Israel supporters was a shocking and unprovoked attack. The lack of affiliation of the instigators with the university raises concerns about external influences and intentions. The incident highlights the need for universities and communities to come together to condemn violence and create a safe and inclusive environment for all students. By promoting dialogue and understanding, we can strive towards a peaceful resolution of conflicts and ensure that incidents like these are not repeated in the future.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...