Columbia University’s Anti-Israel Protests Turn Chaotic, Students Feeling Unsafe and Alone

Columbia University witnessed an escalation of anti-Israel protests that turned chaotic early Tuesday morning as protesters broke windows and occupied historic Hamilton Hall. Witnesses Jessica Schwalb and Jonas Du described the scene to “Fox & Friends” as reminiscent of Stanley Kubrick’s movie, ‘The Shining’. The demonstrators renamed the building in honor of a Palestinian girl who died during Israel’s war with Hamas earlier this year. Silence from law enforcement and campus leadership has left students feeling alone on campus according to Schwalb, as alleged loopholes have made her no longer feel safe due to professional burglars involved. Du suggested that the university’s policy of prioritizing protester demands for disruption over student rights may lead to a poor public perception, while also highlighting how classes and finals are being negatively affected by the ongoing chaos. President Minouche Shafik called on law enforcement to remove students from the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment”, leading to more than 100 detentions resulting in suspension for those removed.