Several congressional lawmakers decried antisemitism on faculty campuses, notably Columbia University, this weekend as anti-Israel protesters briefly took over part of the Ivy League college campus, leading to lots of of arrests.
Amid the demonstrations that started final week, Columbia University President Dr. Nemat “Minouche” Shafik mentioned in a press release posted Monday that she was “deeply saddened” by sure actions of agitators, who’ve shaped an “encampment” on the campus and have riled college students and school with anti-Jewish slogans and chants.
“I am deeply saddened by what is happening on our campus,” Shafik wrote. “Our bonds as a community have been severely tested in ways that will take a great deal of time and effort to reaffirm. Students across an array of communities have conveyed fears for their safety and we have announced additional actions we are taking to address security concerns. The decibel of our disagreements has only increased in recent days. These tensions have been exploited and amplified by individuals who are not affiliated with Columbia who have come to campus to pursue their own agendas.”
Anti-Israel agitators assemble an encampment on Columbia University’s campus in New York City on Monday, April 22, 2024. The college introduced that every one lessons could be held nearly in the present day in response to the continuing demonstrations on campus. (Peter Gerber)
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U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., visited the college over the weekend to face with Jewish college students, a few of whom have mentioned they do not really feel secure on campus.
“Collectively, not just the folks here, but on a bipartisan basis, we in Congress are going to do something about it,” he mentioned in a video posted to X.
Rep. Rep Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J. condemned the Columbia protests by which demonstrators briefly arrange an encampment on campus.
“The First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech and assembly, not freedom to harass and intimidate students just for being Jewish,” he wrote.
Rep. Kathy Manning, D-N.C., mentioned Columbia should educate its college students and school about antisemitism whereas making certain professors aren’t spreading hatred.
“It is critical that the Department of Education and the Department of Justice work with the White House to ensure that universities take steps necessary to keep Jewish students and faculty safe,” she mentioned in a press release.
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Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, R-N.Y. known as out protests by which pro-Palestinian supporters have been heard chanting “death to America” and “Death to Israel.”
“This is truly an attack on democracy. It’s an attack on our values,” he mentioned. “It’s not a Republican thing. It’s not a Democrat (sic) thing. It’s the right thing. To stand behind Israel. Stand behind its people and do the right thing.”
Rep. Mike Lawler, additionally a New York Republican, mentioned he was proud to co-sponsor a decision launched by D’Esposito that condemns the “River to the sea chant,” which many Jews have described as supporting the eradication of Israel.
He famous that 44 members of the House opposed the measure in a vote.
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“It denies Israel’s right to exist,” Lawler mentioned the favored pro-Palestinian saying. “There is nothing aspirational about that. And the fact that 44 of my colleagues can’t bring themselves to condemn it is appalling.”
