A Jewish Columbia University student named Elisha “Lishi” Baker, 21, was targeted with antisemitic comments and physically assaulted during an anti-Israel protest on the New York City campus. Baker felt dehumanized by the protesters and was shocked by the aggression he experienced. The situation escalated when a protester aggressively kicked Baker in the stomach after he asked about their thoughts on the American flag. Tarek Bazrouk, 19, was arrested on assault charges for causing redness and pain to Baker’s abdomen. Another student, David Lederer, attended a similar rally with an American flag and faced similar harassment, including having his flag ripped from his hands and burned.
Baker and Lederer shared their experiences with the New York Post, stating that they were documenting the protests in New York City to highlight the anti-American sentiment present in the demonstrations. They emphasized that the issue shouldn’t just be seen as a Jewish problem, but as a broader societal issue. The students expressed sadness at the current state of the world and the level of aggression and intolerance they encountered during the protests. The incidents they experienced were part of a larger demonstration where 108 people were arrested for trespassing on campus grounds.
The protests at Columbia University involved hundreds of students who set up an encampment on the campus lawn. While many protesters were peaceful and didn’t resist arrest, there were instances of verbal abuse towards law enforcement officers. Some protesters reportedly referred to the officers as the “KKK,” “baby killers,” and told them to “go kill themselves.” This behavior reflects a troubling trend of hostility and aggression during demonstrations, overshadowing the potential for peaceful expression of dissent. The NYPD’s response to the protests included multiple arrests and ensuring safety and order on the campus.
The incidents involving Baker and Lederer shed light on the challenges faced by individuals expressing their views and identities in the current social and political climate. The antisemitic and anti-American sentiments displayed by some protesters highlight the need for greater awareness, tolerance, and dialogue in addressing differences of opinion. Documenting and sharing these experiences can contribute to raising awareness about the impact of intolerance and hate speech on individuals and communities. It is crucial to address such incidents and work towards fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment for all individuals to express their opinions and beliefs.
