Congresswoman Meets With Protestors
New York Democratic Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jamaal Bowman, both members of "The Squad," were seen Friday interacting with anti-Israel protesters at Columbia University's main lawn. The representatives were there to offer their support to those participating in the encampment set up to protest Israel's actions in Gaza.
In one video shared on social media, Ocasio-Cortez can be seen talking to the protesters and expressing her support for their cause. Similarly, photos of Bowman circulated on social media, showing him engaged in conversation with the participants of the protest. Both representatives' visits to the campus come after they attended separate events, with Bowman reportedly attending a Biden campaign fundraiser in Westchester County the previous evening.
The visits by "Squad" members come in the context of escalating tensions and protests at various college campuses across the country. On Thursday, another prominent member of the "Squad," Rep. Ilhan Omar, visited Columbia University to show support for the students involved in the encampment protests. Her daughter, Isra Hirsi, was recently suspended from nearby Barnard College for her involvement in anti-Israel demonstrations at Columbia's campus.
The appearances by these progressive representatives come at a time when multiple colleges and universities are anticipating and preparing for more anti-Israel demonstrations in the coming days. Ocasio-Cortez has been vocal in her support for these protests, condemning the police intervention at Columbia in a post on social media, where she wrote, "Calling in police enforcement on nonviolent demonstrations of young students on campus is an escalatory, reckless, and dangerous act."
This statement was made in the context of protests at Columbia University, where anti-Israel sentiments have escalated with chants of "Al-Qassam, you make us proud, kill another soldier now!" and "We say justice, you say how. Burn Tel Aviv to the ground!" is heard. Concerns for the safety of Jewish students on campus have also been raised, with one Jewish rabbi even warning students to leave campus, citing the inability of the NYPD to guarantee their safety.
Ocasio-Cortez has repeatedly defended the actions of protesters on college campuses and accused public officials and the media of "co-opting" and making them look bad. Her views on the situation echo those of other progressive representatives, who have condemned Israel's actions in Gaza and called for a ceasefire.
Meanwhile, tensions continue to rise on Columbia's campus, with reports of students feeling physically and verbally assaulted by the anti-Israel protesters. In a recent interview with NY1, one student recounted being pushed, shoved, and even having rocks thrown at their face by protesters. The lack of safety authorities on campus has also been highlighted, raising concerns about the well-being of students during these protests.
The escalating situation at Columbia University is reflective of a larger issue, with protests against Israel's actions being staged at other universities and colleges across the country. Several of these protests have called for an "intifada," a term used to describe violent uprisings against Israeli occupation and even the death of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Amidst all this, lawmakers and public leaders continue to grapple with the challenges of addressing the situation. While some have condemned Israel's actions and voiced support for the protesters, others have expressed concerns for the safety of Jewish students on campus and the need for peace and dialogue.
As tensions continue to rise on college campuses across the US, it remains to be seen how lawmakers and public figures will navigate this complex and sensitive issue. In the meantime, students at Columbia University and other affected institutions are left to grapple with the ongoing protests and their implications for their safety and well-being.