College campuses across the country have become the site of protests and encampments in response to Israel’s war on Gaza, resulting in hundreds of arrests. Protesters are calling for a permanent cease-fire, university divestment from companies profiting off the war, an end to U.S. military assistance for Israel, and amnesty for disciplined student or faculty protesters. The demonstrations have led to confrontations with university authorities, with high-profile instances such as more than 100 people being arrested at Columbia University in New York and over 120 protesters being arrested at New York University.
While the protests are being labeled as antisemitic and unsafe for Jewish students, many of the participants in these demonstrations are actually Jewish students themselves calling for Palestinian freedom. Groups like Jewish Voice for Peace and Students for Justice in Palestine have been at the forefront of these protests, organizing solidarity encampments on various campuses. Despite claims of antisemitism, these groups emphasize that their goal is to advocate for Palestinian rights and condemn violence or hateful rhetoric targeting Jewish students.
The White House has joined university administrators in condemning the protests, with President Joe Biden expressing concern over the safety of Jewish students and denouncing any calls for violence or hateful rhetoric. However, progressive organizations like Jewish Voice for Peace have criticized the administration for failing to ensure the safety and well-being of both Palestinian and Jewish students on campus. They argue that the administration’s actions, such as shutting down protests and suspending students, do not promote a safe environment for all students.
The conflict between Israel and Gaza, which has a long history of tension, intensified when Hamas militants carried out an attack in Israel in October 2023, resulting in the death of approximately 1,200 people and the taking of hostages. Since then, Israeli defense forces have killed over 34,000 Palestinians and injured nearly 77,000 others. The violence has led to the displacement of about 85% of Gaza’s 2.3 million population, according to reports from Al Jazeera. The ongoing conflict has sparked outrage and protests not only on college campuses but also in communities across the country.
Despite the backlash and arrests, the protesters continue to demand action to end the violence and support Palestinian rights. Calls for university divestment, an end to military assistance for Israel, and amnesty for disciplined protesters remain central to their demands. The demonstrations have drawn attention to the impact of the conflict on innocent civilians in Gaza and have sparked debates about the role of universities in supporting or divesting from companies involved in the conflict. The protests highlight the complexities of addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the importance of advocating for peace and justice amid ongoing violence and unrest.
