Most of the nearly 230 people busted during anti-Israel protests at Columbia and New York universities in the past week were let go with slaps on the wrist – despite reports that their actions are making others feel unsafe on campus.
One-hundred sixteen people arrested at NYU Monday night were hit with summonses for trespassing, while the remaining four got desk appearance tickets for obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest – neither of which result in a criminal record.
Less than one week earlier, 108 individuals – including Rep. Ilhan Omar’s daughter Isra Hirsi – were arrested at the Gaza Solidarity Encampment at Columbia and let off with summonses for trespassing.
Die-hard activists on both campuses were undeterred by the police intervention.
“What if I want to set up a tent?” one NYU graduate student scoffed to The Post during a walkout in Washington Square Park.
“NYU called the cops on their own students. Just like Columbia and Yale,” she added.
Another protester was overheard bragging about being at the Monday night demonstration for hours – and brandished a freshly-dented purple Stanley cup as proof.
“Bro, look at my cup. I was banging that cup so hard on the barricade for Palestine,” they gushed.
One protester toted a bag of pastries from the upscale Lafayette bakery and insisted they would demand a refund if NYU followed Columbia’s lead and moved to hybrid classes.
“I saw children being treated very poorly by the police,” said Gabriella, an NYU student and refugee.
“They were only chanting and singing,” she added. “I wish there was more I could do.”
But the demonstrations also left Jewish students feeling increasingly unsafe.
Jewish NYU student Natalie Manocherian, 21, told The Post that she is considering leaving NYU after enduring antisemitic harassment.
“I was called a dirty Jew yesterday,” Manocherian said. “I don’t feel comfortable as a Jew right now. I go to my class and I go straight home.”
“I know people in my family who died in the Intifada, you know, like, that’s not something that should be taken lightly. And these people really have no idea,” she added.
“I think I had a false sense of security as a Jew growing up in New York my whole life and I’ve actually realized that a lot,” the Upper West Side native added.
At Columbia, the tent encampment was still going strong after nearly a full week in the rain, wind, and cold. Access to thee campus remained restricted to university ID holders.
Jewish students at the Ivy League school reported increased feelings of unrest in the face of alleged taunts and threats of physical violence.
On Monday, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark) denounced the encampments as “nascent pogroms,” and called on President Joe Biden to send the National Guard to break up the groups
No comments:
Post a Comment