New York Democratic Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jamaal Bowman, members of “The Squad,” were seen offering support to anti-Israel protesters at Columbia University, where an encampment had been established to protest the Israeli military’s actions in Gaza. Ocasio-Cortez was captured in a video speaking with protesters and expressing her support, while photos of Bowman showed him listening to those involved in the protest. Their appearances at Columbia followed a similar visit by Minnesota Democrat Rep. Ilhan Omar, along with her daughter, Isra Hirsi, who was suspended from Barnard College for her involvement in anti-Israel demonstrations at Columbia. These visits come amid a wave of anti-Israel protests on college campuses across the country.
Ocasio-Cortez has been vocal in her support of the anti-Israel protests on college campuses, condemning the use of police enforcement against nonviolent demonstrations. Concerns have been raised about the safety of Jewish students on campuses amid the protests, with one rabbi warning students to leave campus as the NYPD could not guarantee their safety. Anti-Israel protesters have been heard chanting violent slogans, including calls for the death of Israeli soldiers and support for Hamas. The situation has escalated to the point where Jewish students have reported feeling physically threatened and unsafe on campus.
Dozens of anti-Israel activists began demonstrating at Columbia University, sparking fiery protests that have spread to other schools across the country. Calls for an intifada and the death of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu have been issued at these protests. Omar, whose views on Israel have faced criticism, suggested that the Gaza cease-fire encampments at Columbia University are being misrepresented and exploited by public officials and the media to shut down the protests. Social media videos from the protests show activists expressing support for Hamas and cheering on the deaths of Israeli soldiers, while Jewish students have recounted incidents of verbal and physical assault on campus.
The appearances of Ocasio-Cortez, Bowman, and Omar at Columbia University reflect the growing support for anti-Israel protests among progressive Democrats, particularly members of “The Squad.” The protests have ignited concerns among the Jewish community about the safety of students on campus. One student reported being physically assaulted and threatened during the protests, highlighting the volatile and unsafe atmosphere created by the demonstrations. As colleges and universities brace for further protests, the involvement of prominent Democrats in supporting these demonstrations raises questions about the political and social implications of the anti-Israel movement on campuses across the United States.
