Protests condemning Israel’s actions have erupted in Brooklyn and escalated across U.S. universities, including during Jewish Passover Seders, demanding an end to civilian casualties in Gaza.
The demonstrations reflect a growing discontent in the United States, a long-time ally of Israel, with the ongoing conflict with Hamas. President Joe Biden, who has identified as a “Zionist,” has faced increasing protests during his visits, particularly on university campuses where protests have evolved into encampments drawing students and faculty from diverse backgrounds, including Jewish and Muslim communities.
A large protest in Brooklyn reached a standoff with New York police making arrests for disorderly conduct, leading to criticism from groups like the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), who condemned the police’s use of force as undermining academic freedom. However, CAIR also highlighted the need to address inflammatory remarks made by some protesters targeting Jewish, Muslim, and Palestinian students.
Critics, including Republican members of Congress, have accused some protesters of antisemitism and harassment, leading to heated exchanges and calls for increased protection of Jewish students. While some protesters attribute off-campus incidents to rogue provocateurs, others blame universities for failing to protect their right to protest and advocate for human rights.
Across the U.S., universities have witnessed significant protests, with over 120 arrests at New York University and more than 100 at Columbia University. Tensions escalated to the point of class cancellations and police intervention, highlighting the intensity of emotions surrounding the issue.
The protests coincide with Passover, a significant Jewish holiday symbolizing freedom, with some Jewish demonstrators using this occasion to distance themselves from Israeli government actions and voice their opposition to human rights violations in Gaza.
Protesters are calling for divestment from Israeli interests by university endowments and urging the U.S. to condition military aid to Israel on improving the situation for Palestinians. The ongoing conflict, which began with an attack by Hamas and a subsequent Israeli counterattack, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, fueling the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In Brooklyn, protesters gathered near the home of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, advocating for an end to military support for Israel and chanting slogans against violence and genocide in Gaza. The demonstrations featured music and speeches, including from activist Naomi Klein, who spoke against Zionism and called for a shift away from policies perpetuating fear and conflict.
