Columbia University: White House condemns antisemitism at college protests
The White House has condemned as “blatantly antisemitic” certain statements made during ongoing student protests against the war in Gaza.
As protests continued for a fifth day at Columbia University, Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates affirmed students’ rights to peaceful protest while denouncing “calls for violence and physical intimidation targeting Jewish students.”
Over 100 students were arrested at the New York university this week following the clearing of a protest encampment at the prestigious institution.
College campuses throughout the US have witnessed ongoing demonstrations for several months.
The White House released its statement on Sunday in response to online videos that seemed to show some protesters expressing support for the October 7 attacks.
“While every American has the right to peaceful protest, calls for violence and physical intimidation targeting Jewish students and the Jewish community are blatantly antisemitic, unconscionable, and dangerous,” the statement stated.
“Echoing the rhetoric of terrorist organizations, especially following the worst massacre committed against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, is despicable.”
New York Mayor Eric Adams expressed horror and disgust at the antisemitism evident in and around the Columbia University Campus. The mayor pledged that New York police would arrest anyone found breaking the law.
CNN reported on Sunday that a rabbi associated with the university advised 300 Jewish students to steer clear of the campus in light of the unrest.
“It deeply pains me to say that I would strongly recommend you return home as soon as possible and remain home until the reality in and around campus has dramatically improved,” the message said, according to CNN.
The Columbia Barnard Hillel – a Jewish campus organisation associated with Columbia and its sister college, Barnard – said it did not think Jewish students should leave the university.
But it called on the university and city authorities to do more to protect students.
The clearing of the protest encampment on Thursday was described as an “extraordinary step” by Columbia University President Dr Nemat Shafik, who said it was necessary to provide a safe environment.
Among the participants in the protest was the daughter of Minnesota politician Ilhan Omar, who has been suspended from her college.
Dr Shafik had earlier faced members of Congress to defend Columbia’s efforts to tackle antisemitism.
Demonstrations against the war in Gaza continue to take place across the US, and at events attended by US President Joe Biden.
Pro-Palestinian protesters recently blocked major roads across the country, restricting access to airports including Chicago’s O’Hare International and Seattle-Tacoma International, as well as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and Brooklyn Bridge in New York.
