White House blasts pro-Palestine protestors taking over Columbia University as ... trends now
The White House has joined a chorus of people across the political spectrum in slamming pro-Palestine protesters at Columbia University over anti-Semitic rhetoric at demonstrations on campus.
The statement comes hours after a rabbi at Columbia University has cautioned Jewish students against returning to campus due to 'extreme antisemitism' amid a days-long protest in support of Palestine.
Now, the White House has had to issue a statement blasting the far left demonstrators in the latest example of what critics believe is a virus of anti-Semitism on Ivy League campuses.
'While every American has the right to peaceful protest, calls for violence and physical intimidation targeting Jewish students and the Jewish community are blatantly anti-Semitic, unconscionable, and dangerous – they have absolutely no place on any college campus, or anywhere in the United States of America,' said White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates.
More than 100 protestors have been arrested, an NYPD spokesperson confirmed to DailyMail.com, with many spouting hateful rhetoric claiming they were Hamas and shouting 'intifada' at Jewish students.
The White House has joined a chorus of people across the political spectrum in slamming pro-Palestine protesters at Columbia University over anti-Semitic rhetoric at demonstrations on campus
For the fifth day, pro-Palestinian students occupy a central lawn on the Columbia University campus
Now, the White House has had to issue a statement blasting the far left demonstrators in the latest example of what critics believe is a virus of anti-Semitism on Ivy League campuses
Some have even called for the death of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to Fox News.
'And echoing the rhetoric of terrorist organizations, especially in the wake of the worst massacre committed against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, is despicable. We condemn these statements in the strongest terms,' Bates added.
New York City's Democrat Mayor Eric Adams also targeted the protesters in a post on X.
'I am horrified and disgusted with the antisemitism being spewed at and around the Columbia University campus,' he wrote.
'Hate has no place in our city, and I have instructed the NYPD to investigate any violation of law they receive a report about and will arrest anyone found to be breaking the law.'
He did, however, say that Columbia University is a private school on private property and therefor should 'improve and maintain an open line of communication with the NYPD to ensure the safety of all students and staff on campus.'
Senator John Fetterman, perhaps the most consistently critical Democrat of what he deems 'pro-Hamas' protesters, compared them to the rioters at Charlottesville and had harsh words for Columbia University President Minouche Shafik.
'I fully agree with the White House — these 'protests' are antisemitic, unconscionable, and dangerous. Add some tiki torches and it's Charlottesville for these Jewish students. To @Columbia President Minouche Shafik: do your job or resign so Columbia can find someone who will.'
Student activists and their allies protest in front of the New School at Columbia University
More than 100 protestors have been arrested, an NYPD spokesperson confirmed to DailyMail.com, with many spouting hateful rhetoric claiming they were Hamas and shouting 'intifada' at Jewish students
Ten students have been charged so far, mostly with resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration
Tensions had been at boiling point since the protesters pitched tents on the university's south lawn at 4am on Wednesday, with several fights breaking out as they were met by pro-Israeli counter-demonstrators.
For the fifth day, pro-Palestinian students occupy a central lawn on the Columbia University campus
Dozens of New York Police Department officers have entered the so-called 'Gaza solidarity camp.'
Ten students have been charged so far, mostly with resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration.
Among those arrested included Isra Hirsi, the daughter of 'Squad' Congresswoman Ilhan Omar.
A large group of demonstrators met outside the university gates on Saturday while student protestors returned to the main lawn, waving flags and chanting.
Rabbi Elie Buechler of the Columbia/Barnard Hillel
