The White House strongly condemned the recent surge in protests targeting Jewish students at various colleges across the U.S., including a recent demonstration at Columbia University in New York.
In a statement issued by White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates, the administration denounced any calls for violence or physical intimidation against Jewish students, labeling such behavior as blatantly antisemitic, unconscionable, and dangerous.
Columbia University cancels classes amid anti-Israel protests (Credits: Fox News)
Bates emphasized that while peaceful protest is a right, advocating violence against Jewish students has no place on college campuses or anywhere in the United States.
The statement followed reports of a rabbi associated with Columbia University advising 300 Jewish students to leave campus and return home ahead of the start of Passover. However, the campus Hillel countered this advice, advocating for increased safety measures rather than recommending students leave.
Protests erupted at Columbia University last week when pro-Palestinian demonstrators set up tents on campus, prompting university president Minouche Shafik to authorize the New York Police Department to remove the encampment.
White House condemns ‘blatantly antisemitic’ protests (Credits: Times of India)
Over 100 protesters were reportedly taken into custody, and all university students involved in the demonstration were suspended, including Isra Hirsi, the daughter of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), who attends Barnard College, affiliated with Columbia.
These protests come in the wake of heightened tensions following attacks by Hamas on October 7, which led to casualties in southern Israel and a subsequent Israeli response in Gaza. As the situation continues to reveal, concerns about safety and security on college campuses remain paramount.
