Protests condemning Israeli actions and demanding an end to civilian casualties in Gaza have erupted in Brooklyn, with similar demonstrations gaining momentum at universities across the United States. The protests, some coinciding with Jewish Passover Seders, reflect a deepening dissatisfaction within the historically pro-Israel United States regarding the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
President Joe Biden, despite self-identifying as a “Zionist,” has faced months of pro-Palestinian protests. These demonstrations have evolved beyond mere gatherings to include encampments at universities, drawing participants from diverse backgrounds, including Jewish and Muslim communities. Events such as teach-ins, interfaith prayers, and musical performances have been organized as part of these protests.
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Criticism has been directed at the use of police force to suppress dissent, with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemning such actions as undermining academic freedom. Afaf Nasher, executive director of CAIR in New York, emphasized concerns over the defamation and endangerment of Jewish, Muslim, and Palestinian students.
While some protesters attribute off-campus incidents to rogue provocateurs seeking to derail the protests’ message, others highlight universities’ failure to safeguard the right to protest and advocate for human rights. Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student at Columbia University, expressed feeling unsafe due to the institution’s perceived inaction and one-sided statements.
The situation has escalated at various universities, with arrests numbering over 120 at New York University and more than 100 at Columbia University. Columbia’s decision to shift to hybrid classes for the remainder of the year comes amidst heightened tensions, with the university’s president calling for the dismantling of pro-Palestine encampments.
In California, Cal Poly Humboldt was shut down after pro-Palestinian protesters occupied a campus building, while police cleared an encampment at the University of Minnesota in response to violations of university policy and trespassing laws.
The protests reached a critical juncture in Brooklyn, where demonstrators gathered outside Senator Chuck Schumer’s home, calling for an end to US arms support for Israel. The situation escalated as police made mass arrests, using zip ties to restrain those refusing to disperse.
The call to “Stop Funding Genocide” reverberated through the streets as tensions peaked outside Senator Schumer’s residence, reflecting the intensifying fervor of pro-Palestinian activists amidst ongoing demonstrations.
