In recent weeks, college campuses across the United States have witnessed waves of pro-Palestinian demonstrations, with violence flaring on Wednesday 1 May, and Thursday 2 May following police raids and attacks by pro-Israeli protestors. Hundreds of students have been arrested across the US as campus administrators and police cracked down on rallies supporting Palestinians and calling for divestment of universities from Israel. University leaders, along with authorities from the United States and Israel, have claimed that the protests are “anti-Semitic”, as asserted by Israel and its supporters. While a few individuals within the protests have made anti-Semitic remarks or threats, the organizers, including Jewish students, stress that their movement is peaceful and seeks to advocate for Palestinian rights and voice opposition against the ongoing conflict. The protests, which first started at Columbia University, have since spread to approximately 30 campuses across the US, with tensions escalating in recent days. Columbia University, located in New York City, has been at the epicenter of the demonstrations. Police have made 300 arrests, including dozens of student demonstrators who occupied campus buildings. On Wednesday, May 1, protesters occupied Hamilton Hall, renaming it Hind’s Hall…
USA Sees Nationwide Crackdown on Pro-Palestinian Campus Protests
May 2, 2024
By Belal Nawar
Senior Journalist
