Jewish supporters of Israel react as students protest on the Columbia University campus in New York in support of Palestinians following an attack on a Gaza hospital on April 4, 2024. University officials said organizers did not obtain permission for the event. iron gates to Columbia University are wide open, with students hurrying to class along the brick walkways and tossing Frisbees on the lawns.
“We will honor all the martyrs!” a tightly masked speaker called out. Protesters spoke of the deadly bombing of a hospital in Gaza, and —heard by some as a Palestinian rallying cry and by others as an outright call to annihilate Israel — chanted, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!”, and administrators continue to face questions over their responses to protests such as this one.
At Yale University, students supporting Palestinians and divestment from weapons companies launched a hunger strike this weekend. Vanderbilt University expelled and suspended students earlier this month after a protest. The Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University was Several students said that some student clubs — even for dance and activities unrelated to the conflict in the Middle East — had become unwelcoming for Jewish and Israeli students as broad alliances formed backing Palestinian groups.
She also said students are quick to take support for Palestinians as a personal attack. “No. I don’t want to attack you. I don’t want to do anything to you,” she said. “I just want the bombing to stop.”“There’s an enormous amount of pressure being exerted on presidents, not just President Shafik, but other presidents,” said David B.