Anti-Israel rally at Columbia (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Pro-Hamas Rally Turns Violent
Students at Columbia University made headlines during a Wednesday pro-Hamas rally on campus, where they passionately chanted for an “intifada” in New York City.
The protest, which was captured in videos posted online by Columbia Business School assistant professor Shai Davidai, comes as Columbia has faced intense criticism for the rising anti-Semitism on its campus.
The demonstration drew around 100 students and included calls for violent uprisings and sacrificing oneself for the Palestinian cause.
“There is nothing, nothing more honorable than dying for a noble cause,” a speaker passionately shouted into a bullhorn.
Another speaker led students in an Arabic chant of ”From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”—a slogan that advocates for the eradication of Jews from Israel.
During the event, students marched in a line through campus as an organizer passionately led them in chants of ”Intifada, intifada, long live the intifada!” The intifadas were violent Palestinian uprisings that targeted Jewish civilians, resulting in the deaths of over 1,000 Israelis in the 1990s and early 2000s. That organizer also chanted, “From New York to Gaza, globalize the intifada!”
A spokeswoman for Columbia did not respond to a request for comment.
Davidai said the protest was “unauthorized” and a violation of Columbia’s code of conduct.
“By refusing to hold the organizers accountable, Columbia is sending a strong message of disregard to every Jewish and Israeli student, faculty, or staff,” the professor expressed on Twitter.
The calls for violence and the cleansing of Jews from Israel appear to blatantly violate the university’s rules. Columbia stated late last year that its “rules of conduct do not allow or condone language that promotes or supports violence in any manner.”
“Calls for genocide against the Jewish community or any other group are abhorrent, inconsistent with our values, and against our rules,” the university’s statement emphasized.
A Pattern of Controversy
This is not the first time Columbia has faced controversy over anti-Semitic and anti-Israel incidents. Just last week, Columbia’s Barnard College stirred up outrage by hosting an anti-Semitic, pro-terrorist professor at its “Day of Dialogue” event, even canceling classes and offering a campus store gift card as an incentive for attendance. Barnard College defended the decision, referring to the professor as a “renowned” scholar who could help students “examine all viewpoints.”
In November, Columbia administrators faced criticism for their inaction as anti-Israel protesters occupied the law school building, disrupting classes for hours.
What are some criticisms of the slogan “Israel as a state” in terms of its promotion of violence and denial of Israel’s existence?
Israel as a state. This controversial slogan has been widely criticized for its promotion of violence and the denial of the existence of Israel.
The rally also included inflammatory speeches that blamed Israel for the ongoing conflict and called for boycotts of Israeli goods and businesses. The speakers accused Israel of committing human rights violations and emphasized the need to stand in solidarity with Palestinians.
While freedom of speech is an important aspect of academic institutions, it is crucial to distinguish between legitimate criticism of Israeli policies and actions, and the promotion of hatred and violence. The organizers of this rally crossed a line by advocating for violence and the destruction of a nation.
It is deeply concerning that a prestigious university like Columbia is becoming a breeding ground for anti-Israel sentiments and anti-Semitism. Universities are meant to foster intellectual debate and provide a space for students to learn from different perspectives, but when political biases and personal agendas take precedence over respectful dialogue, it undermines the integrity of education.
The rise of anti-Semitic incidents on college campuses across the United States is alarming, and it is the responsibility of university administrators to address these issues and create an environment that promotes inclusivity and diversity of thought.
While criticism of Israeli policies is valid and should be welcomed as part of a healthy discourse, promoting violence and the denial of a nation’s right to exist is not conducive to a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Universities should actively work towards fostering a culture of understanding, empathy, and open dialogue, rather than allowing hatred and violence to flourish on their campuses.
It is imperative for Columbia University to take immediate action to address the growing anti-Semitism on its campus and ensure that all students feel safe and supported in their academic pursuits. Failure to do so not only undermines the university’s reputation, but also perpetuates a climate of fear and discrimination on campus.
Education should empower individuals to critically analyze complex issues and engage in respectful and informed discussions. It should not be a platform for promoting hate and advocating violence.
Columbia University must prioritize the well-being of its students and actively work to eliminate anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment from its campus. Only then can it truly fulfill its mission of providing a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment for all.
Now loading...