The NYPD dismantled an anti-Israel encampment at Fordham University at the request of the school. The protesters set up the encampment in response to the arrests of similar demonstrators at Columbia University and City University of New York. The encampment began at around 8 a.m. with approximately 30 protesters but dwindled throughout the day, resulting in only about 12 remaining by late afternoon. Despite the decreasing numbers inside the building, hundreds of supporters rallied outside the university entrance.
Protesters who refused to leave were notified by the school that they had been suspended and banned from campus. The university deemed the encampment a threat to persons and property, requesting police assistance in clearing out the demonstrators. The police presence was also requested on campus until May 22, after commencement ceremonies had concluded. Following the police intervention, only graffiti, stickers, and remnants of the encampment remained.
During the protest, demonstrators could be seen wearing masks or keffiyehs, banging on drums, and chanting slogans against Israel and the NYPD. Some protesters taped a Palestinian flag to the wall of the building, and tensions heightened when NYPD buses arrived at the scene. One bus was even splattered with red paint. Despite the police presence, approximately 200 student protesters remained outside the Lowenstein Center. They chanted various slogans expressing their disapproval of Israel and the police.
One observer, Brigitte Guillerme, expressed her disgust at the protest, sharing that she is of both Christian and Jewish descent. She suggested that some protesters should go to Palestine or Gaza to experience the reality of the situation firsthand. Guillerme also made a controversial comment about trading the students to Palestinians for hostages. The situation highlighted the deep emotions and conflicting opinions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict, with passionate protesters on one side and disapproving onlookers on the other.
The police action at Fordham University came after similar demonstrations and arrests at other campuses in the city. The NYPD spokesperson indicated that the protesters were arrested for not leaving the encampment when asked. The incident demonstrated the ongoing tension and strong feelings surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict. The protesters took a strong stance against Israel’s actions in Gaza and received support from hundreds of demonstrators outside the university. The confrontation underscored the complexities and deeply held beliefs on both sides of the issue.
