Congresswoman Comments On College Protests
A wave of anti-semitic protests has sparked backlash on the Columbia University campus after students were seen shouting slogans calling for the genocide of Jews and the destruction of Israel. Among those protesting was Isra Hirsi, daughter of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN). In an attempt to defend the protests, Omar published an X-post claiming that they had been “co-opted” and were being misrepresented by public officials and media.
However, critics were quick to point out that there is ample evidence, including videos and witness testimony from Jewish students, that clearly shows the anti-semitic nature of these protests. In response to Omar’s claims, Twitter user AG urged her to face the facts, stating, “Inventing a conspiracy to blame the antisemitism and terror support of the protestors on police and others doesn’t work when everyone can see the truth.”
Throughout history, protests were co-opted and made to look bad so police and public leaders would shut them down. That’s what we are seeing now at Columbia University. The Columbia protesters have made clear their demands and want their school not to be complacent in the ongoing…
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) April 22, 2024
Similarly, Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY) challenged Omar’s defense, stating, “Ilhan, there’s video. Lots of it. These antisemites don’t need police & public leaders to make them look bad. They’re doing that all by themselves.”
Echoing this sentiment, Erielle Azerrad pointed out the repercussions of these protests, specifically for Jewish students on campus, stating, “Jews are studying remotely because of Omar’s daughter.”
Despite Omar’s claims that the protesters have clear demands, many are calling for action against Hamas and the release of hostages. Pradheep Shankar emphasized the irrelevance of these demands, calling them “nonsense” and urging for the protesters to be removed from campus.
Throughout history, protests were co-opted and made to look bad so police and public leaders would shut them down. That’s what we are seeing now at Columbia University. The Columbia protesters have made clear their demands and want their school not to be complacent in the ongoing…
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) April 22, 2024
The videos of the protests have sparked outrage and fear among the Jewish community at Columbia University and beyond. The university responded by moving to remote learning on Monday, citing the increased tension and potential for violence on campus.
Critics of the protests and Omar’s defense have pointed out the dangerous and anti-semitic nature of the slogans and chants being shouted by the protesters. One Twitter user, BiBi, stated, “There is no excuse for antisemitism. There is no excuse for calls to destroy Israel and kill Jews. There is no excuse for hate.”
Ilhan, there’s video. Lots of it.
These antisemites don’t need police & public leaders to make them look bad.
They’re doing that all by themselves.
Only demands should be:
-Hamas, surrender.
-Release the hostages. https://t.co/o6QUnNpFPZ— Anthony P. D’Esposito (@ANTHONYDESPO) April 22, 2024
This incident has shed light on the ongoing issue of anti-semitism and the targeting of Jewish students on college campuses. While many have called for action and accountability, others, such as blogger Erielle Davidson, have expressed disappointment in the lack of response from Omar and other public figures, stating, “The fact that Rep. Ilhan Omar has yet to condemn the heinous protests on Columbia’s campus is despicable and unacceptable.”
As the debate over these anti-semitic protests continues, many are calling for unity and solidarity with the Jewish community. Journalist Yair Rosenberg aptly stated, “The actions of these protesters are neither justified nor defensible. We should all stand with Jewish students at Columbia and everywhere else. There is no place for hate on our college campuses.”