Congresswoman Visits Columbia University Encampment
Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., and her daughter, Isra Hirsi, made a surprise appearance at an anti-Israel encampment on Columbia University's campus in New York City on Thursday. The appearance of the duo drew attention to the ongoing controversy surrounding the anti-Israel protests that have been sweeping the nation's college campuses.
Photos from the event show Omar standing alongside her daughter, interacting with other protesters who had set up camp on the university's main lawn. The Congresswoman's arrival at the demonstration comes as colleges and universities across the country brace for more anti-Israel protests and the potential for violence.
Hirsi, who had recently been suspended from Barnard College for her involvement in anti-Israel demonstrations on Columbia's campus, released a statement on social media last week expressing her pride in her actions. She was later arrested and issued a summons for trespassing by law enforcement sources.
The ongoing protest at Columbia University has been marked by fiery rhetoric and calls for an "intifada." The activists have also decried the actions of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with some even calling for his death.
Omar, who has been heavily criticized by her Republican counterparts in Congress for her views on Israel, took to social media on Wednesday to suggest that the protest is being "co-opted and made to look bad" by public officials and members of the media. She also defended the protesters, stating that they are simply demanding that their school take a stand against "genocide" in Gaza.
The Congresswoman went on to say that similar tactics have been used throughout history to shut down protests and that the officials and media outlets who are criticizing the Columbia protesters are only inflaming the situation and need to bring "calmness and sanity back."
Videos from the demonstration show anti-Israel activists cheering on the deaths of Israeli soldiers and showing support for Hamas, the militant group that has been in a long-standing conflict with Israel. Jewish students on campus have reported feeling unsafe and have shared stories of being verbally and physically assaulted.
One student, who wished to remain anonymous, told NY1 over the weekend that she was pushed and shoved and that rocks were thrown at her face by protesters. She stated that she felt her life was in danger and that there was no safety authority on campus to protect her.
The ongoing protests at Columbia University and other college campuses have sparked a nationwide conversation surrounding Israel and its actions in Gaza. Critics of the protests argue that they incite violence and anti-Semitism, while supporters argue that they are necessary to bring awareness to the situation and hold Israel accountable for its actions.
In a statement to Fox News, the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) said that the anti-Israel protests "threaten and intimidate students and professors who support Israel," and called on Columbia University to "protect all its students and academics equally."
Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian groups have held counter-demonstrations in support of the Columbia protesters and have accused the university of violating their right to free speech.
As the protests continue, the clash between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian supporters shows no signs of slowing down, and it remains to be seen how universities and public officials will address the growing tension on college campuses.