NYC College Protests: Palestine Divides University Communities over Conflict with Israel

Protests in support of Palestinians have caused disruptions at several college campuses throughout New York City, including Columbia University and NYU. In April alone, dozens of students were arrested or suspended for participating in these demonstrations, which stemmed from a “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” established by Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine on the university’s campus over two weeks ago. The encampments have led to clashes with police and administrators at both universities as students demand divestment and an end to their institutions’ alleged complicity in genocide against Palestinians during ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Columbia University President Nemat Shafik testified before Congress regarding allegations of antisemitism on campus, which she denied, while some Jewish students have accused pro-Palestinian demonstrators of veering into anti-Semitic rhetoric that has made them feel unsafe. The tensions at these campuses are part of a broader trend in the United States where student activists protesting Israeli actions and supporting Palestine clash with their peers who support Israel, causing rifts within university communities.