- “Blatantly antisemitic” sentiments made by students during anti-Gaza war protests have been denounced by the White House.
- For months, protests have shaken college campuses across the United States.
- Without mentioning any particular colleges, President Joe Biden denounced “blatant antisemitism” on college campuses.
“Blatantly antisemitic” sentiments made by students during anti-Gaza war protests have been denounced by the White House. Deputy press secretary Andrew Bates acknowledged that students had the right to peaceful protest as the Columbia University demonstrations entered their fifth day, but he condemned “calls for violence and physical intimidation targeting Jewish students.”
Following the police clearance of a protest encampment, more than 100 students were taken into custody at the university in New York this week. For months, protests have shaken college campuses across the United States.
Antisemitism
The White House declared that calls for violence and intimidation against Jewish students and the Jewish community are dangerous and unacceptable, and it denounced antisemitic protests on October 7.
Without mentioning any particular colleges, President Joe Biden denounced “blatant antisemitism” on college campuses. As antisemitism was being spoken at and around the Columbia University campus, New York Mayor Eric Adams expressed his dismay and contempt.
According to the mayor, anyone discovered to be breaching the law would be arrested by New York police. A note was issued to 300 Jewish students by an affiliated rabbi of the university, asking them not to come to campus due to the unrest.
Dr. Nemat Shafik, president of Columbia University, called the removal of the protest camp an “extraordinary step” toward creating a safe atmosphere. Protests against the Gaza War are still taking place all around the US, including at gatherings that US President Joe Biden attends.
