The White House has condemned what it called "blatantly antisemitic" statements made during ongoing student protests against the war in Gaza at Columbia University in New York. Deputy press secretary Andrew Bates affirmed the students' right to peaceful protest but denounced any calls for violence or intimidation targeting Jewish students. Over 100 students were arrested at Columbia University after police cleared a protest encampment at the prestigious institution. These protests are part of a broader wave of demonstrations across US college campuses in recent months. President Joe Biden also denounced antisemitism on college campuses, stating that such behavior has no place in the country.
Mayor Eric Adams of New York expressed horror and disgust at the antisemitism around the Columbia University campus and pledged to take action against anyone breaking the law. A rabbi associated with the university advised Jewish students to stay away from campus amid the unrest, a recommendation echoed by some but contested by others. The Columbia Barnard Hillel, a Jewish campus organization, urged authorities to enhance student safety.
The clearing of the protest encampment was described as necessary by Columbia University President Dr. Nemat Shafik to ensure a safe environment. Among the protesters was the daughter of Minnesota politician Ilhan Omar, who has been suspended from her college. Dr. Shafik previously defended Columbia's efforts to address antisemitism before Congress.
Demonstrations against the Gaza war have been ongoing across the US, with recent protests causing disruptions in major cities, including blocking access to airports and iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge.
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