The White House has expressed strong condemnation for the “blatantly antisemitic” remarks made during the current student demonstrations protesting the conflict in Gaza.
On Monday, April 22nd, 2024, the White House issued a forceful statement condemning antisemitic rhetoric that surfaced during recent protests at Columbia University. The statement, delivered by White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates, denounced “calls for violence and physical intimidation targeting Jewish students and the Jewish community.” It went on to emphasize that such behavior is not only “antisemitic” and “dangerous,” but has “absolutely no place on any college campus, or anywhere in the United States of America.”
Over 100 students were apprehended at the prestigious New York University during this week.
Law enforcement apprehended over 100 students following the dismantling of a protest encampment at the prestigious university.
Protests have been reverberating through college campuses across the United States for months.
The statement from the White House on Sunday was prompted by online videos showing certain protesters expressing solidarity with the attacks on October 7th.
“While every individual has the fundamental right to engage in peaceful demonstrations, advocating for violence and intimidation against Jewish students and the Jewish community is unequivocally antisemitic, morally reprehensible, and poses a serious threat,” the statement emphasized.
“Parroting the language of terrorist groups, particularly in the aftermath of the deadliest massacre inflicted upon the Jewish community since the Holocaust, is utterly abhorrent.”
New York Mayor Eric Adams was appalled by the surge of antisemitism at and near Columbia University, expressing deep concern. He assured that the New York Police Department is fully dedicated to promptly taking action and apprehending any individuals who are found to be breaking the law.
According to a Sunday report by CNN, a rabbi linked to the university reached out to 300 Jewish students, urging them to steer clear of the campus amidst the ongoing turmoil.
The message expressed deep concern, urging Jewish students to consider returning home promptly and staying there until the situation on and around campus significantly improves, as reported by CNN.
The Columbia Barnard Hillel a Jewish campus organization connected to both Columbia University and its sister college Barnard, strongly advised Jewish students against departing from the university amidst the current unrest.
It called for both the university and city authorities to ramp up efforts and implement stronger measures to guarantee the safety of the students.
Columbia University President Dr. Nemat Shafik characterized the removal of the protest encampment on Thursday as a crucial and decisive measure to uphold a secure and protected environment.
One of the individuals involved in the protest was the daughter of Minnesota politician Ilhan Omar, who has faced suspension from her college as a result.
Dr. Shafik had previously engaged with members of Congress to advocate for Columbia University’s proactive measures in combating antisemitism.
Protests against the conflict in Gaza persist throughout the United States, even occurring at gatherings attended by President Joe Biden.
Pro-Palestinian protesters have shut down major roads across America, restricting access to airports such as Chicago’s O’Hare International and Seattle-Tacoma International, as well as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and the Brooklyn Bridge in New York.
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