U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog shake hands during their meeting in Tel Aviv, Israel Wednesday, May 1, 2024. (Evelyn Hockstein/Pool Photo via AP)
(AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken hiked up pressure on Hamas on Wednesday to accept the latest proposal for a cease-fire with Israel, saying the “time is now” for an agreement that would free hostages and bring a pause in the nearly seven months of war in Gaza.
But a key sticking point appeared to remain — whether the deal would completely end Israel’s offensive as Hamas has demanded.
Blinken met with Israeli leaders throughout the day on the last stop of his seventh visit to the region since the war erupted in October, trying to push through what has been an elusive deal between Israel and Hamas. The U.S. and fellow mediators Egypt and Qatar hope to avert an Israeli offensive into the southern Gaza town of Rafah, where some 1.4 million Palestinians are sheltering.
Throughout months of talks, Hamas has said the freeing of all the hostages it holds must bring a permanent halt to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
The proposed deal now at the center of talks raises that possibility, according to leaked details that were confirmed by an Egyptian official and a Hamas official. But Hamas is seeking to strengthen the language to ensure a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the entire Gaza Strip, the Egyptian official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the internal negotiations. The group said it is likely to give its response to the proposal on Thursday.
In public, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has staunchly rejected stopping the war before Hamas is destroyed. In a sign of the challenges in the negotiations, Netanyahu in his talks with Blinken on Wednesday repeated his vow to launch the offensive on Rafah, which he says is Hamas’ last stronghold in Gaza.
Blinken said Israel has made “very important” compromises in cease-fire efforts and it is now up to Hamas to get the deal done.
“There’s no time for further haggling. The deal is there,” Blinken said, shortly before he was to leave Israel.
Earlier in the day, he said in talks with Israel’s ceremonial President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv that Hamas would bear the blame for any failure to get a deal. “No delays, no excuses. The time is now,” he said.
Blinken said the deal would also allow much needed food, medicine and water to get into Gaza, where the war has sparked a humanitarian crisis, pushed northern Gaza to the brink of famine and driven around 80% of the population of 2.3 million from their homes.
Blinken said there has been “meaningful progress” in efforts to increase the flow of aid. On Wednesday, Israel reopened its Erez crossing for deliveries into northern Gaza for the first time since it was damaged in Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack.
Hanging over the cease-fire negotiations is the possibility of an Israeli attack on Rafah, where more than half of Gaza’s population has fled, cramming into vast tent camps and other shelters. On Tuesday, Netanyahu vowed to go ahead with the assault with or without a cease-fire deal.
“The operation in Rafah doesn’t depend on anything. The prime minister made this clear to Secretary Blinken,” Netanyahu’s office said after the two met Wednesday. Hard-line members of Netanyahu’s coalition, on whom he depends to keep his government in power, have railed against any deal that prevents a Rafah attack as a victory for Hamas.
The United States has staunchly supported Israel’s campaign of bombardment and ground offensives in Gaza since Hamas’ unprecedented attack on Oct. 7 into southern Israel. But the U.S. has grown increasingly critical of the staggering toll borne by Palestinian civilians and has been outspoken against a move on Rafah. American officials say they oppose a major offensive but that if Israel conducts one, it must first evacuate civilians.
Faculty for Justice in Palestine at the Gaza solidarity encampment at the University of California, Los Angeles, one day before violent riots on campus, April 29, 2024. Credit: Noopur28 via Wikimedia Commons.
By Jonathan S. Tobin (JNS)
(JNS) Negotiating with mobs is always a fool’s errand. That’s what Minouche Shafik, the president of Columbia University, learned in recent days when she attempted to talk her way out of an impasse with pro-Hamas students who set up an encampment on the school’s South Lawn and then occupied a building in order to force the administration to, among other things, divest itself from any investments related to Israel. In the end, talks with protesters failed, the situation escalated, and police had to be called in to restore order, albeit at the cost of shutting down the campus and making it impossible for the university to operate normally.
At colleges across the nation, administrators are being faced with similar choices as mobs of students chanting for the destruction of Israel and in favor of terrorism against Jews are crossing the lines from legal protests to illegal acts of intimidation and violence to get their way. But as much as universities are tempted to compromise with the protesters, doing so is a mistake. That’s true not just because appeasement of bullies—and that is what those conducting these protests are as they seek to silence dissent against their stands, and shield themselves from accountability and press coverage—always leads to escalating demands and further concessions.
The real danger in giving in to protests goes deeper than undermining the rule of law or making colleges hard to administer. Every concession to activists chanting for a “free Palestine” to exist “from the river to the sea” or cheering to “globalize the intifada” is a gesture that legitimizes Hamas’s genocidal cause of destroying the Jewish state and slaughtering its population.
Normalizing hate
The protesters rationalize, excuse or even label the unspeakable atrocities of Oct. 7 as justifiable “resistance.” Those are not reasonable opinions that deserve respect and understanding. Doing so normalizes what ought to be labeled as an outrageous expression of hatred. Agreeing to negotiate whether or not to boycott Israel is equally unacceptable. It means an acceptance of the vile idea that antisemitism is a legitimate form of discourse.
Yet that is exactly what those who are defending the students are doing. It’s true that many observers put this outbreak of chaos on campus down to students empathizing with Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip caught up in a war started by Hamas on Oct. 7. But as anyone who listens to their rhetoric knows, these are not anti-war protests. In fact, they are pro-war demonstrations since their cause is not really an end to the fighting but to keep Hamas in place, essentially declaring victory for terrorism and ensuring that it will continue. This is the same Hamas that intends to carry on with plans to eliminate Israel, which it falsely labels as a settler/colonial oppressor, rather than the sole democracy in the Middle East and the only Jewish state on the planet.
The student mobs’ apologists characterize their actions as—like the Black Lives Matter riots of the summer of 2020—“mostly peaceful.” They excuse their use of facemasks that conceal their identity in much the same way the violent racists of the Ku Klux Klan wore white hoods. And they minimize their intimidation of Jewish students. In this way those who condone or negotiate with these thugs cosplaying Palestinian terrorists with keffiyehs are saying that being a fan of Hamas and supporting an antisemitic ideology is acceptable or even laudable behavior. That is something no fair-minded or decent person should be advocating.
And when one of the pro-Hamas students’ cheerleaders, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), divides Jewish students into two groups — “pro-genocide” and “anti-genocide” — that’s nothing less than incitement to violence, even if it is couched in a disingenuous condemnation of antisemitism.
Chaos at Columbia
Having had the students evicted from their tents last week only to see them return the next day, Shafik was still trying to appease a group whose rhetoric and actions were creating an atmosphere of hatred for Israel and Jews. Sensing weakness, these students—assisted by outside agitators—seized Hamilton Hall, one of the campuses’ main buildings. Then, in a parody of Hamas terrorists’ demands in Gaza, they insisted that “humanitarian aid” be allowed for those who had violently seized the place and, if only briefly, taken some employees hostage.
Shafik had been roasted by the left-wing press, including The New York Times, for her first call to the police, because supporters of the students likened them to the generations who protested against the Vietnam War or South African apartheid. But as the situation on campus deteriorated into violence and chaos, the school’s trustees gave her the OK to ask the New York City Police Department to resolve the standoff. They did so with professionalism, evicting the occupiers of both the building and the tent city with a minimum of fuss and without any of the violence that ended a similar confrontation in 1968.
In defending the police action, New York City Mayor Eric Adams correctly identified the protests as profoundly un-American. Incidents on campuses where U.S. flags were torn down and replaced with Palestinian flags are symbolic of the contempt that the leftist ideologues’ agenda is not limited to their support for the destruction of Israel. Their disdain for America and its democratic values is part and parcel of a mindset formed by indoctrination in the woke myths of critical race theory and intersectionality. And they are insensible to the pride that most Americans feel for those instances in which police or students have defended the stars and stripes or returned it to its proper place.
Shafik and her board deserve little credit for her decision to act. She had tolerated an intolerable situation on the Manhattan campus for weeks. During that time, Jews on campus were subjected to an unprecedented atmosphere of intimidation and threats from students, faculty and others spouting lies about Israel committing a Palestinian “genocide” and who made no secret of their identification with the Hamas terrorists responsible for the largest mass slaughter of Jews since the Holocaust. Rhetoric about not tolerating the existence of “Zionists” had become normative, as had advocacy for antisemitic BDS resolutions that seek to target Israelis and Jews for discrimination.
Buying quiet on campus
But as appalling as Shafik’s performance has been, it was far better than what happened at Northwestern University and Brown University. In both cases, the schools gave in to student demands and allowed them a say in whether these institutions would implement divestment from Israel in exchange for quiet on campus.
For those administrators, it seems like a good bargain; they probably thought that they bought peace rather cheaply. After all, implementing boycotts at these schools will be a long, drawn-out affair and may not ultimately lead to the discriminatory agenda the pro-Hamas students seek. Among other complications, the state laws of Illinois and Rhode Island rightly hold BDS to be a form of illegal discrimination.
Opponents of Israel, however, have reason to celebrate both the weakness of those school’s administrators and the willingness of mob leaders to take “yes” for an answer. Many of the protesters, outside agitators and their funders think that the ongoing spectacle of shutting down campuses and crowds at major institutions cheering on terrorists helps their cause. Some may even believe that outcomes in which the protests are ended by police action also turn them into martyrs or help make them appear sympathetic to liberals who view student demonstrations from the Vietnam era with nostalgia.
But the object of all the post-Oct. 7 protests is to mainstream the demonization of Israel and Zionism, and to essentially ostracize and silence Jewish students who refuse to bow to fashionable opinion on campuses and join the mobs. Schools that make these sorts of concessions only make that problem worse.
Authorities are not wrong to view the anti-Israel demonstrations as a challenge to the normal functioning of institutions of higher education as well as to public order. For example, Columbia’s very liberal regulations allow all sorts of protests but still require that, among other things, demonstrations be conducted in a manner that does not impinge on the rights of other students. Such rules cannot be flouted with impunity if the university is not going to be ruled by the whims of radical mobs assembled at the behest of any cause.
Nor should any university permit libraries to be commandeered by protesters, which occurred at Portland State University in Oregon. Or, in the case of the University of California, Los Angeles, its sprawling anti-Israel encampments made it difficult or impossible for students to access classes or parts of the school grounds.
At its heart, this nationwide struggle is not just a matter of preserving law and order on college campuses. It’s about a sinister movement whose aim is to single out Israel and Zionism—the national liberation movement of the Jewish people—for opprobrium, isolation and destruction. It is nothing less than a 21st-century variety of antisemitism rooted in woke ideology that grants a permission slip for Jew-hatred. If any other minority group—African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians—were being treated in the way that Jews are now being hounded on campuses, there would be no debate about the necessity of a zero-tolerance policy for such behavior. Those who have broken school rules or gone so far as to commit violence to further their hateful cause should be suspended and expelled, not coddled as misunderstood idealists. Universities that tolerate this behavior and allow hostile environments for Jews to be imposed by campus radicals should be stripped of federal funding for violating Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Statements from President Joe Biden that create false moral equivalencies to media coverage that legitimizes the protests or concessions from universities to the anti-Israel protesters, must all be seen as part of the same moral failure on the part of much of our political and educational establishments. Toleration of antisemitic mobs will only lead to more antisemitism.
Jonathan S. Tobin is editor-in-chief of JNS (Jewish News Syndicate). Follow him @jonathans_tobin.
NYPD Disbands Anti-Israel Encampment at Fordham University Amid Rising Campus Tensions
Edited by: Fern Sidman
In a swift and decisive action, the New York Police Department (NYPD) disbanded an anti-Israel encampment at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus on Wednesday, calling attention to the escalating campus tensions amid broader protests. According to a report on Wednesday in the New York Post, the operation was initiated at the behest of the university administration, which cited concerns over safety and property.
NOW: Protesters are rallying outside Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus in support of the ‘Gaza Solidarity Encampment’ which was set up earlier this morning
Students inside encampment are rallying with the crowd outside through the windows pic.twitter.com/aHvstN5MbZ
The “Gaza Solidarity Encampment,” established inside the Leon Lowenstein Center, a prominent building at Fordham’s Manhattan campus, was a direct response to earlier police actions at Columbia University and the City University of New York. The information provided in the Post report indicated that these actions had resulted in the arrest of hundreds of demonstrators the previous night, sparking further protests. Initially comprising about 30 participants, the Fordham encampment’s numbers had dwindled to approximately 12 by the afternoon, though hundreds rallied outside the building, the report in the Post added.
The NYPD, equipped in riot gear, moved in before 6 p.m., arresting several demonstrators who steadfastly refused to vacate the premises. Noted in the Post report was that NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Kaz Daughtry, confirmed these details, noting the rapid execution of the operation to ensure the dispersal of the encampment.
NYPD officers enter Fordham University after receiving a request from the university to disperse the unlawful encampment.
Multiple arrests have been made of students who refused a final dispersal order. pic.twitter.com/3ICRViluoW
In parallel, Fordham University had taken preemptive administrative actions against the protesters, suspending and banning those who refused to leave from campus earlier that day. These measures illustrated the university’s serious view of the situation, framing the encampment as “a clear and present danger to persons, property,” as was affirmed in the Post report. This language was echoed in a letter released by police, in which university officials explicitly requested NYPD intervention to help clear the encampment.
As Fordham grapples with the aftermath of an anti-Israel encampment and the reactions it provoked, the situation reflects broader societal and geopolitical tensions.
The controversy began when a group of protesters, some wearing masks and keffiyehs, established a “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” within the university premises. According to the information in the Post report, the demonstration escalated quickly, featuring Palestinian flags, chants against the NYPD and Fordham’s perceived complicity in injustices against Palestinians, and symbolic expressions such as drumming and graffiti. Notably, slogans such as “Israel bombs, Fordham pays, how many kids did you kill today?” captured the intense sentiment of the pro-Hamas, pro-terror protesters, the report added.
NYPD officers enter Fordham University after receiving a request from the university to disperse the unlawful encampment.
Multiple arrests have been made of students who refused a final dispersal order. pic.twitter.com/3ICRViluoW
In response to the growing unrest and the physical occupation of part of its campus, Fordham University called upon the NYPD to clear the encampment and ensure safety. The police action involved setting up barriers and confronting protesters, some of whom accused the NYPD of being trained by Israeli forces, reflecting the global dimension of local protests, as was described in the Post report. The NYPD’s presence was requested to remain on campus through May 22, extending through the commencement ceremonies to prevent further disruptions.
What the hell has happened to America? More of the Jihad squad at Fordham University. Do they not realize Hamas would imprison or kill most of them if they went to Gaza? Sharia does not like liberals or communists, just FYI.
— Ben Bergquam – Real America’s Voice (RAV-TV) News (@BenBergquam) May 2, 2024
The protests and the university’s response to them elicited mixed reactions from the community. Speaking to the Post, Brigitte Guillerme, a local resident with mixed Christian and Jewish heritage, expressed her disdain for the protests. She criticized the naiveté of the activists, suggesting ironically that their perspectives might change if they experienced life in the Gaza Strip firsthand, the report in the Post said. Her comments reflect a common critique of campus activism – that it may lack nuanced understanding of the complex realities of international conflicts.
After the encampment was cleared, the physical remnants of the protest included graffiti and stickers on university property calling for the liberation of Palestine and an end to the purported genocide, as was indicated in the Post report. These markings are symbolic of the political investments of the protesters and signify the lingering presence of these sentiments even after the physical protests have been disbanded.
The far-left president of Colombia threatened Wednesday to join South Africa’s petition to the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide in the Gaza Strip, while pledging to end diplomatic ties with the Jewish state.
In an address in the city of Bogota Wednesday, marking International Worker’s Day, President Gustavo Petro, former member of the M-19 terrorist organization, said that his government would end diplomatic relations with Israel Thursday.
“Here in front of you, the government of change, of the president of the republic announces that tomorrow we will break diplomatic relations with the state of Israel…for having a government, for having a president who is genocidal,” Petro said.
Shortly afterwards, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz responded to Petro’s comments on Twitter/X.
“History will remember that Gustavo Petro decided to side with the most despicable monsters known to mankind who burned babies, murdered children, raped women and kidnapped innocent civilians,” Katz tweeted.
Colombia, once an ally of the Jewish state, has over the last two years moved to curb ties with Israel.
Petro, a long-time Israel critic, accused Israel of Nazism following the October 7th Hamas invasion of the Jewish state, and threatened to expel Israel’s ambassador to Colombia.
In March, Petro again compared the State of Israel to Nazi Germany, and declared that his country would impose an arms embargo on the Jewish state.
“Asking for food, more than 100 Palestinians were killed by Netanyahu. This is called genocide and is reminiscent of the Holocaust even if the world powers do not like to recognize it,” Petro wrote in Spanish on social media. “The world must block Netanyahu.”
(JNS) We have lost the battle against insanity. Perhaps we never fought it. Regardless, the world has gone quite mad.
I just witnessed this on the Columbia University campus. A young white female student, draped fashionably in a keffiyeh, stood at a microphone and demanded that the administration provide food and water to the student “protesters” lest they die of dehydration or starvation.
Yes, she actually said that.
The student insisted that the administration had an “obligation” to those students who have “paid for a meal plan.” Yes, she actually said that too. She was speaking in front of Hamilton Hall, just broken into by criminal outsiders as well as students. The young jihadists barricaded themselves inside. This act of breaking and entering finally destroyed all pretense of normal student life.
Did the “starving and thirsty” student think that she and her co-conspirators are war victims and therefore entitled to food drops or a guarantee of safe passage for aid deliveries?
Some of the most privileged students on earth have decided that they are endangered sacred victims. This is beyond diagnosis but surely qualifies as some kind of psychosis.
What other conclusion can be reached about the surging mobs on American campuses and street demonstrations that, in Islamist style, are pathologically arrogant and violent? Clearly, they are engaged in some kind of delusional mimicry of religious war.
This is all the more disturbing because many educated, “good” people—including a large number of professors—honestly and earnestly believe all or most of the Big Lies about Israel that the internet and the media have fed them over the years. The professoriate insists that the crimes Israel has allegedly committed (yes, Israel) literally endanger world peace.
These “good people” are blaming the Jews for having been attacked (by a righteous “resistance”) and having dared to fight back. To them, Netanyahu—rather than the antisemites—is the reason Jewish students cannot enter campus safely and all students cannot take their exams or graduate.
Blame it on the Jews. Never on the Jew-haters or on the jihadists.
One “good” person actually said to me: “Israel did not have to go into Gaza. There must have been another, better way to respond to 10/7. An international alliance might have condemned Hamas and held them accountable in some way.”
I was speechless. I could not think of a world body that has ever condemned Hamas or any other antisemitic Islamist entity for its crimes. Would such “condemnation” bring back every last Israeli hostage safely? Would it ensure that Hamas would not strike again and again?
Putting “condemnation” aside, has any world body ever taken meaningful action against the Muslim extremists who have slaughtered Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Bahai, Armenians and more? Have they acted against communist China, which has put a million Muslims in concentration camps and jailed and tortured Buddhists?
Apparently, if a Muslim is killed, no one cares except when a Jewish person has done the killing, even if that Jewish person did it in self-defense.
The other day, a Syrian woman on television dismissed what Israel has done in Gaza as “minor, unimportant, compared to what [Syrian dictator] Bashar al-Assad did when he murdered 300,000 Syrian Muslims.”
She’s more than right.
An Iranian dissident friend of mine cannot believe the level of scrutiny Israel faces given what Iran has done to its dissidents and its women, not to mention Iran’s pivotal role in funding international terrorism.
Moreover, if one wants to blame Netanyahu for “funding” Hamas in the (misguided) hope that it would keep them “quiet” (point taken) or keep himself in power (point also taken), then what can we say about Obama and Biden’s funding of Iran, which is now about to become a nuclear power?
Afghan women are committing suicide because of the Taliban’s misogynist policies. Which international alliance has gotten the Taliban to stop?
The belief in the greater morality or effectiveness of international alliances is hopelessly naïve.
I asked one professor what else Israel could have done after Oct. 7 other than attempt to root out Hamas and its terror tunnels. He said that Netanyahu should have forged a world alliance to hold Hamas accountable.
I was absolutely speechless. After a moment, however, I asked him whether he felt the same about Ukraine. He did. He favored “realpolitik” and did not think asking Ukraine to stand down would be appeasement.
“What Ukraine should have done is give Putin what he initially wanted and then built a wall and tried to join NATO,” he said. “Ukraine is filled with Russians anyway, and so many of [the Ukrainians] are Nazis. Think of how many lives would have been saved. It would have been the more civilized thing to do.”
This man actually teaches at a university. Yet he cannot face reality: No wall would stop Putin. No wall could stop Iran and Hamas. All walls can be breached. Terrorists and tyrants are not concerned with being “civilized.” They will never stop. They can only be stopped by a stronger military power with the freedom to use that power. The world’s neighborhoods, beginning with the Middle East, are nasty and brutish places filled with tribal warfare and ferocious hatreds.
The students who are currently occupying campuses and buildings would not survive these places for a single minute. Nor would the professors or administrators who are protecting and defending those students.
Late the other night, New York City police were called in to remove the students and outside radicals who barricaded themselves inside Hamilton Hall. The police found horrendous vandalism: smashed windows and overturned or damaged furniture. Will the ensuing arrests lead to serious penalties?
Let’s find out how many of the radicals were students and how many were paid and trained outsiders. Let the lawyers begin their class action civil lawsuits on behalf of students— especially Jewish students—for the disruption of their studies and the deliberate destruction of their peace of mind.
Please remember: The 1968 student protests at Columbia were against a war. The 2024 protests are in favor of a war against Israel, America and the Jews.
I am in mourning for my beloved academia, for my country and for my civilization.
Pro-Palestinian and pro-Hamas supporters set up a protest encampment on the campus of Columbia University in New York, as seen on April 22, 2024. Credit: Lev Radin/Shutterstock.
Who’s Who on the Columbia University Board of Trustees & How They Influence Campus Policy
Edited by: Fern Sidman
Columbia University has recently been at the center of a heated controversy due to its handling of the now notorious anti-Israel encampment on campus, raising significant questions about the influence of its board of trustees. According to a recently published report that appeared in the New York Post, critics, including prominent political figures, have said that the board’s composition—dominated by donors and affiliates with strong ties to the Democratic Party—has affected its decision-making processes, particularly in dealing with disruptive and blatantly anti-Semitic campus activities.
The board of trustees at Columbia University, a venerable Ivy League institution, includes several influential figures with deep connections to the Democratic Party. The information provided in the Post report indicated that this includes a billionaire from the notable Pritzker family, a hedge fund manager who has contributed over $4 million to Democratic causes, and high-profile public servants such as President Barack Obama’s former homeland security secretary and a federal judge appointed by President Bill Clinton. These affiliations have brought the board under scrutiny, with critics arguing that political biases are influencing university policies.
As Barack Obama said after winning the 2008 presidential election, the purpose of the revolution is to “fundamentally transform the United States of America.” The doctrine that stands at the heart of the revolution is critical race theory. Photo Credit: AP
According to a detailed examination by The Post, at least six of the 21 trustees have direct ties to the Democratic Party, based on voter registration and political donation records among other public documents. Noted in the Post report was that this significant Democratic representation contrasts with only two trustees registered as Republicans, suggesting an abundantly clear imbalance in political perspectives within the board. Such an imbalance, critics claim, has led to a governance approach that prioritizes political ideology over effective management of university affairs.
The situation has elicited sharp criticism from several Republican leaders. Speaking to the Post, Representative Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) has been vocal in her criticism. She stated, “It’s no surprise that the board of trustees for a university allowing woke left-wing ideology and anti-Semitism to fester is made up of Democrat operatives and donors.” This sentiment has been echoed by New York state GOP chairman Ed Cox, who expressed concerns over the board’s judgment being clouded by their political affiliations. The report in the Post said that Cox also drew parallels between the obvious politicization at Columbia and broader national political dynamics involving President Joe Biden’s administration.
The allegations suggest that the board’s political leanings may be influencing its response to campus issues, particularly the anti-Israel encampment, as per the Post report. This situation has not only disrupted academic activities but has also sparked a broader debate about the role of universities as spaces for free expression versus their duty to maintain order and protect all students’ rights. Indicated in the Post report was that critics have argued that the board’s inability or unwillingness to decisively manage the encampment is symptomatic of a deeper governance issue, where political ideologies override practical and balanced decision-making.
The Columbia controversy also focuses on its president,
Columbia University President Minouche Shafik. Photo Credit: president.columbia.edu
Amid ongoing anti-Israel protests at the Morningside Heights campus, there is growing pressure on President Shafik to resign for not taking stronger actions to address the situation, the Post reported.
Critics argue that her response has been insufficient to curb the disruptions caused by these protests, leading to calls for her resignation. As was detailed in the Post report, the board of trustees, including co-chairs David Greenwald and Claire Shipman have publicly supported Shafik, although their involvement became more pronounced following their recent testimony at a congressional hearing in Washington, DC.
On January 18, 2023, Columbia University’s board of trustees announced Shafik’s appointment as president of the university. She became president of Columbia University on July 1, 2023. Her inauguration occurred on October 4, 2023.
After the Israel–Hamas conflict intensified in October 2023, and an altercation concerning an Israeli student leading to legal action, Shafik issued a statement saying that if “speech is unlawful or violates University rules, it will not be tolerated”. While some, including NY Rep. Ritchie Torres, and Rep Kathy Manning, said she should have done more to protect Jewish students from anti-Semitic violence on campus; faculty and graduate workers raised concerns over her decision to suspend pro-Hamas student groups such as Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) and Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) from the campus for repeatedly violating University policies relating to on campus events.
In November 2023, Shafik was invited to attend the 2023 United States Congress hearing on anti-Semitism, but declined, citing a scheduling conflict. She later gave testimony before the United States House Committee on Education & the Workforce on April 17, 2024, along with David Greenwald and Claire Shipman. Former presidential advisors and consultants Shailagh Murray, Dana Remus, and Philippe Reines, along with lawyers, political officials, and experts on anti-Semitism prepared Shafik for the hearing for months.
As a result of campus protests and the campus occupation by pro-Hamas demonstrators that began on April 17th, Shafik called on the NYPD to clear an encampment established by protesters near the center of the university’s campus, and police arrested more than 100 students on April 22. The same day, she announced that the university had canceled in-person classes to move to hybrid learning. The demonstrations outside Columbia’s campus included pro-Hamas, anti-Semitic hate speech and threats, resulting in protesters targeting some Jewish students.
Claire Shipman, an alumnus of Columbia University, currently serves as the co-chair of its Board of Trustees, as was previously noted. With a background in journalism, authorship, and advocacy for women’s leadership, Shipman is a prominent figure in both media and educational circles.
Shipman’s journalism career is marked by her extensive experience across several major news networks. She spent 15 years at ABC News, where her reporting ranged from politics and international affairs to pivotal social issues. Prior to her tenure at ABC, Shipman was a White House correspondent for NBC News during the Clinton administration, a role that positioned her at the forefront of national political reporting.
As co-chair of Columbia University’s Board of Trustees, Shipman plays a crucial role in shaping policies and guiding the direction of the university. Her leadership position also places her at the heart of educational governance, where her experiences and perspectives can directly influence the next generation of leaders.
David J. Greenwald, another co-chair of Columbia University’s Board of Trustees is also chairman emeritus of the Fried Frank law firm. His professional journey is marked by significant achievements and service in prominent roles, from heading a major law firm to steering committees and boards in various prestigious institutions.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Greenwald has made significant contributions to academia and the community. As co-chair of the Board of Trustees at Columbia University, he plays a strategic role in guiding policies of the institution of higher learning. He is deeply involved with Columbia University Law School, serving on the Dean’s Council, and contributes his expertise to shaping the future legal minds.
Greenwald also holds positions on the boards of several major nonprofit organizations, including New York Presbyterian Hospital, the Legal Aid Society, Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, and the Lincoln Center Theater.
The Columbia board of trustees’ political leanings have become a point of contention, especially in light of the ongoing campus issues, the Post report said. Notably, Adam Pritzker, a Columbia trustee and a member of the influential Pritzker family, embodies these connections. The Pritzker family has substantial involvement in Democratic politics and philanthropy, with members holding positions such as the Governor of Illinois and former Secretary of Commerce under President Obama.
His family’s engagement in Democratic activism and significant contributions to various social causes have placed him in a notable position to influence both the business and political landscapes.
According to the information provided in the Post report, Pritzker’s cousin, Illinois Governor
JB Pritzk -er,
s a notable Democratic activist and advocate for bail reform. Another cousin, Jennifer Pritzker is a transgender billionaire and has substantially contributed to universities, medical schools, gender clinics, and nonprofits, promoting gender-affirming medical care and supporting the transgender community. Meanwhile, the Post report also indicated that Penny Pritzker, former Secretary of Commerce under President Obama and now a senior fellow at Harvard Corporation. She has played pivotal roles in both governmental and educational spheres.
These familial ties illustrate a deep-rooted engagement in social issues and Democratic politics, suggesting a shared orientation towards activism and advocacy within the Pritzker family. The report added that this orientation extends to Adam Pritzker himself, who has made substantial contributions to Democratic candidates and causes throughout his career.
Mark Gallogly, an influential figure in finance, politics, and environmental advocacy, embodies the complexities and controversies that often follow high-profile careers bridging diverse sectors. The Post report said that as a vice-chair trustee at Columbia University and a notable Democratic donor, Gallogly’s actions and affiliations paint a detailed picture of a multifaceted individual navigating the intricate worlds of high-stakes investment and political engagement.
Parallel to his financial career, Gallogly has been actively involved in politics, primarily through substantial contributions to the Democratic Party. His financial support includes $775,000 donated in the current election cycle alone, alongside significant contributions to the Biden Action Fund and the Democratic National Committee, according to the information in the Post report. Moreover, he and his wife hosted a high-profile fundraiser for President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign, highlighting his active role in political fundraising and Democratic party activities.
Columbia Trustee Jeh Johnson’s career is marked by his significant contributions to national security and law. A Columbia Law School graduate, Johnson served as the Secretary of Homeland Security under President Barack Obama from 2013 to 2017. The Post reported that prior to this, he was the General Counsel of the Department of Defense from 2009 to 2012, where he played a critical role in shaping U.S. defense policies. Since leaving his political post, Johnson has been an active voice in national discussions on homeland security and cybersecurity, often testifying before Congress to share his insights and expertise.
Another notable Columbia University trustee, Joseph A. Greenaway Jr., was appointed as a federal judge in New Jersey by President Bill Clinton in 1996 at the young age of 38. In 2010, he ascended to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in Newark, New Jersey, following an appointment by President Obama, according to the information in the Post report.
Vice chair Abigail Black Elbaum heads Ogden CAP Properties, a prominent real estate firm, and has been involved in philanthropy, particularly in political spheres. Indicated in the Post report was that her contributions include donations to key Democratic figures such as Hillary Clinton and Al Gore.
As Senior Executive Vice President of Columbia University, Gerald Rosberg is a pivotal figure in the realms of academia, legal practice, and corporate leadership.
Rosberg’s career took a significant turn when he joined The Washington Post Company, where he served for two decades as a senior executive. During his tenure, the company not only dealt with the traditional challenges of a major media conglomerate but also faced the digital transformation that reshaped the industry. His role involved strategic decision-making, long-term planning, and navigating the company through periods of substantial change, including its transition to what is now known as Graham Holdings.
In his current role, Rosberg brings his extensive experience to bear on the university’s strategic initiatives. Working closely with the president and other senior leaders, he focuses on long-term planning and strategic issues, particularly human resources and departmental coordination.
In January 2024, Columbia University welcomed Cas Holloway as its new Chief Operating Officer, a role in which he oversees several critical administrative areas including Facilities and Operations, Human Resources, Columbia University Information Technology, Columbia Health, and Columbia Technology Ventures.
Felice B. Rosan, as the General Counsel of Columbia University, holds a pivotal role where her vast legal expertise significantly impacts the governance and strategic initiatives of one of the leading educational institutions in the world. Rosan’s tenure at Columbia since March 1999 has seen her navigate complex legal terrains, emphasizing university governance, tax-exempt issues, charitable giving, executive compensation, and key developments such as the University’s expansive Manhattanville project.
The board also includes individuals such as Wanda Holland Greene, an educator with four decades of experience, and Keith Goggin, a former New York Stock Exchange market maker and specialist, according to the Post report.
Other members of the Columbia board of trustees include Duchesne Drew, a veteran journalist, and Andrew Barth, the retired chairman of a capital market company. Also on the is Kikka Hanazawa, a social entrepreneur in the fashion industry.
Also speaking to the Post was Rory Lancman, senior counsel for the Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law. He emphasized the responsibility of the board in these circumstances, stating, “The buck stops with the board of trustees.” Noted in the report was that this sentiment reflects growing dissatisfaction with how the Columbia board has managed the crisis, with critics arguing that the trustees should not deflect responsibility onto the university president alone.
Others have pointed fingers at the university’s board, accusing them of liberal bias, potentially tarnishing the institution’s esteemed reputation.
Former Senator Al D’Amato of New York has been vocal in his criticism of the board, describing its members as “ultra-liberal” and blaming them for the university’s inability to control the situation. “The school is out of control. It’s a disgrace. They’ve destroyed the reputation of a great school,” D’Amato told The Post. His harsh words reflect a broader dissatisfaction among certain alumni and political observers who feel that the university’s governance is too ideologically driven, which they argue has led to ineffective decision-making in a time of crisis.
D’Amato’s frustrations culminated in a call for dramatic changes at the top levels of the university’s leadership. “It’s a horror show,” he told the Post, suggesting that the only solution would be to overhaul the university’s leadership by appointing a new president and clearing out the current board.
Adding to the chorus of disapproval is former Brooklyn Assemblyman Dov Hikind, head of the group “Americans Against Anti-Semitism.” Speaking to the Post, Hikind criticized the board for their prioritization of political protection over taking decisive actions. “The board of trustees at Columbia should stop trying to protect Biden,” Hikind expressed to the Post, urging the board to “Do the freakin’ right thing!”
Amidst the growing criticism, The Post reported that attempts to reach board members for comments were largely unsuccessful, with the majority declining to comment individually or not responding. This lack of direct communication from the board members has added to the frustration of critics, who view the silence as indicative of a governance body that is either unwilling or unable to address the pressing issues facing the campus.
As Columbia University continues to grapple with these challenging issues, the actions taken by its board of trustees will likely be scrutinized not just by the university community but by observers across the political and educational spectrum. The resolution of this crisis could have lasting impacts on the university’s reputation, its governance practices, and potentially, its leadership structure. For now, the university remains a battleground where the complexities of academic governance, political ideology, and social justice converge.
In recent years, George Soros, the influential billionaire known for his far-left political affiliations, has channeled over $50 million into a network of Iran-sympathizer groups. This funding has played a crucial role in shaping the narrative around US-Iran relations, particularly in advocating for the defanging of US sanctions on Tehran and pushing for a renewed nuclear deal. (AP Photo/Ronald Zak, File)
By Rachel Ehrenfeld-( published with permssion of he Blaze.com, Blaze Media)
George Soros, who for decades has been funding progressive, neo-Marxist leftist groups, also poured money into groups and individuals that reject the existence of Israel. So, it is not surprising that his son, Alexander, who now runs the ironically named Open Society Foundations, is now funding, directly and indirectly, pro-Hamas demonstrations and Hamas-supporters’ encampments on university campuses across the United States.
The campus “occupations” are reminiscent of Kyiv’s Maidan Square encampment in the winter of 2004-2005, when Soros helped fund the Orange Revolution. He also supported the 2014 demonstrations of the Maidan Revolution, for which he was awarded Ukraine’s Order of Freedom by the Ukrainian president he helped elect, Petro Poroshenko.
Soros is the prime mover behind a decades-long effort culminating with a tsunami of anti-Semitic attacks on Israel and Jews everywhere.
When Hamas, the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, took over Gaza in 2007, Soros criticized Israel for refusing “to recognize the democratically elected Hamas government.” He deliberately ignored the fact that the Islamist terrorist group’s explicit and well-advertised objective is the elimination of the Jewish state of Israel.
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Soros has been funding, directly and indirectly — and apparently with the acquiescence of U.S. administrations — Israeli-Jewish and Israeli-Arab leftist groups, as well as media outlets, that oppose Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
That’s in addition to his generous funding of Palestinian-led groups, along with pro-Palestinian Jewish, Christian, and Muslim organizations that promote boycotts, divestments, and sanctions against Israel. Among the many groups Soros funds include Students for Justice in Palestine and the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights, which are spearheading violent demonstrations on college and university campuses.
More than a few organizations backed by Soros’ foundations have well-documented links with the U.S.-designated terrorist groups. All support the elections and appointments of anti-Israel activists to Congress, the administration, and international nonprofit organizations. Details of his decades-long crusade against the Jewish state are spelled out in “The Soros Agenda.”
Despite the evidence, the Open Society Foundations have repeatedly denied such funding. In 2019, Soros spokesman Michael Vachon made a feeble attempt at plausible deniability. While denying the foundations’ support of BDS groups, he admitted that at times they simply don’t know how their support is used. “The foundation[s] cannot track every project connected to every organization that … [they have] supported over the decades,” he said.
The Open Society Foundations and their well-funded proxies never fail to condemn Israel for its effort to curb the activities of Palestinian terrorist groups masquerading as human rights charities. Like parrots, they repeat Hamas’ lies about Israel. Their phrasing is then used by the United Nations, the European Union, and Biden’s State Department to further criticize Israel.
Just how many millions of dollars Soros has directed to pro-Hamas, anti-Israel, and anti-American groups is unclear. These are merely guesstimates because the Open Society Foundations are notoriouslyopaque.
What is certain, however, is that Soros is not only funding the pro-Hamas and anti-American demonstrations we see on campuses today. He has also been the prime mover behind a decades-long effort culminating with a tsunami of anti-Semitic attacks on Israel and Jews everywhere.
Protesters in Los Angeles, many of them Jewish, participate in a rally to demand an immediate ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, as well as an end to U.S. military aid to Israel, Nov. 15, 2023. Credit: Ringo Chiu/Shutterstock.
Columbia University Responds to Campus Occupation by External Agitators
Edited by: Fern Sidman
In a significant and decisive action to maintain safety and order, Columbia University called upon the New York Police Department (NYPD) to address a serious situation on its campus late Tuesday evening. According to a report on Wednesday on the Post Millennial website, the university found itself compelled to act after a group of pro-Hamas activists, who were not affiliated with the institution, occupied, vandalized, and blockaded Hamilton Hall, leading to over 100 arrests.
The incident began to escalate when protesters took control of one of the university’s key buildings, resulting in considerable disruption and damage. According to the university’s statement, the NYPD was summoned to the campus a little after 9 PM at the request of university officials, following the discovery of the occupation and subsequent vandalism of Hamilton Hall, as was explained in the PostMillennial.com report. The university’s leadership, including the Board of Trustees and in consultation with security experts and law enforcement, determined that the situation warranted a direct response from law enforcement. They also reinforced the notion that those spurring on these violent protests were “external actors” and not student organizers.
The university’s response to the occupation and vandalism sheds light on the challenges institutions face when external groups engage in disruptive actions on campus. The involvement of individuals not affiliated with Columbia University complicates the dynamics of campus security and calls attention to the necessity for decisive actions to protect students, faculty, and staff.
Columbia University expressed regret over the protesters’ decision to escalate the situation through their actions, emphasizing the forced displacement of Columbia public safety personnel and the threats made against a member of the facilities team, according to the postmillennial.com report. The university stressed its priority was the safety of its community and the need to prevent any further escalation of the situation.
@Columbia Did you know that Lisa Fithian is on your campus instructing people to break the law? Arrest her and stop this shit now. pic.twitter.com/mezMxVfjkK
The statement highlighted that the decision to involve the NYPD was taken early in the morning after careful deliberation that this was a law enforcement matter. The report on the PostMillennial.com website indicated that the university concluded that the NYPD was best positioned to determine and execute an appropriate response to restore order and ensure the safety of the community.
The encampment on the South Lawn began construction on April 17, coincidentally the same day that Columbia’s President Minouche Shafik was responding to inquiries concerning the explosion of campus anti-Semitism before a Congressional committee. The PostMillennial.com report said that the activists, who have now been revealed to be led by outside agitators, escalated their actions by vandalizing Hamilton Hall—breaking doors and windows and blockading entrances, early on Tuesday morning. This forced the university to take decisive actions to protect its students and staff by severely curtailing the number of people on the Morningside campus and updating the community on access to campus buildings.
On Tuesday night, officers in riot gear entered Hamilton Hall and arrested the activists. Previous measures such as suspensions and threats of expulsion had failed to disperse the occupation, leading to this more forceful response, the PostMillenial.com report said. The university stated that this intervention was necessary not in response to the cause the protesters were championing but due to their actions, which disrupted campus life and violated the law.
In a broader response to the events, New York City Mayor Eric Adams commented on the situation, highlighting a concern about young people being influenced by professional radicals. As was emphasized in the PostMillennial.com report, his statement pointed to a growing worry about the radicalization of youth in the context of such protests, suggesting a deeper look into who is behind the mobilization and agenda of such activities.
Republican Mike Lawler was elected in 2023 as the U.S. representative for New York’s 17th congressional district, in a narrow win against Sean Patrick Maloney. Credit: AP
Edited by: Fern Sidman
The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act with significant bipartisan support, reflecting a national urgency to address rising anti-Semitism, particularly in academic environments. According to a report on Wednesday on the CNN web site, this legislation arrives at a critical time when pro-Hamas protests are frequent occurrences on college campuses, and tensions around definitions of anti-Semitism are increasingly influencing public discourse and policy.
The Antisemitism Awareness Act is designed to strengthen the federal government’s ability to identify and combat anti-Semitism, especially within higher education institutions. The information provided in the CNN report indicated that the bill mandates that the Department of Education, when enforcing federal anti-discrimination laws, adopt the definition of anti-Semitism used by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).
The IHRA definition of anti-Semitism is a certain perception of Jews, often expressed as hatred toward Jews, which includes: Calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or harming of Jews; making dehumanizing, demonizing, or stereotypical allegations about Jews or the power of Jews as a collective, such as the myth of a Jewish conspiracy or Jews controlling the media, economy, government, or other societal institutions; Holocaust denialism; accusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel than to the interests of their own nation; denying the Jewish people the right to self-determination. For example, claiming the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor (anti-Zionism); and drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.
The IHRA definition has been used by the State Department over the last three administrations. By codifying this definition into law, Jewish students will be more protected from anti-Semitic discrimination, harassment, and threats. This bill will give investigators at the Department of Education a clear framework and the proper tools for identifying and evaluating anti-Semitism, helping to resolve some of the 137 active Title VI investigations and hold harassers accountable.
The House vote reflected strong bipartisan backing, passing with a tally of 320 to 91. The support crossed party lines, although the opposition included 70 Democrats and 21 Republicans, indicating a complex spectrum of concerns about the bill’s implications, as per the CNN report. New York Republican Representative Mike Lawler, who introduced the bill, emphasized its necessity in combating anti-Semitic hate in the U.S. and expressed gratitude for the widespread endorsement from various Jewish organizations.
Despite the strong support, the bill has faced significant criticism, particularly concerning free speech implications. Opponents argue that the IHRA definition, while comprehensive, is overly expansive and may potentially suppress legitimate free speech, particularly in the context of discussions and criticisms of Israeli policies, the report on CNN suggested. Critics fear that such a broad definition could lead to unintended censorship and stifle academic freedom on campuses, a place traditionally known for vibrant and often contentious political debate.
The bill, which now heads to the Senate, seeks to enforce a specific definition of anti-Semitism in educational institutions that receive federal funding, the CNN report explained. This has spurred reactions from various quarters, including civil rights groups and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle.
The push for the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act was led by a bipartisan group of representatives including Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Max Miller (R-OH), and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), reflecting a concerted effort to address rising concerns over anti-Semitic incidents in the United States, particularly on college campuses, according to the information contained in the CNN report.
“We cannot stand idly by as protesters call for the death of Jews on college campuses and across the country,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “When I spoke at Columbia last week, I told administrators that we need deeds, not words to protect Jewish students. This bill is a critical step to take the action we so desperately need to stand against hate.”
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has emerged as a vocal opponent of the bill. In a detailed letter to lawmakers, the ACLU argued that existing federal laws already adequately prohibit anti-Semitic discrimination and harassment by federally funded entities, the CNN report said. The organization expressed concerns that the bill, through its adoption of the IHRA definition, could stifle free speech on college campuses by conflating legitimate criticism of the Israeli government with anti-Semitism. CNN added that the ACLU emphasized its support for combating discrimination but opposes any measure that it perceives as threatening to First Amendment-protected political speech.
The debate over the bill has not been limited to advocacy groups. On the House floor, Democratic Representative Jerry Nadler of New York articulated a critical perspective, stating that while the fight against anti-Semitism is crucial, “this legislation is not the answer.” As detailed in the CNN report, he highlighted concerns that the bill might overreach, potentially classifying criticism of Israel alone as unlawful discrimination, which he argued does not necessarily constitute anti-Semitism.
The bill’s journey through Congress has not been without its political dimensions. Rep. Lawler has dismissed criticism from both sides of the political spectrum, as he called attention to the commitment to advancing the legislation. As indicated in the CNN report, he also noted that Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) is set to introduce a companion bill in the Senate, and urged Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to expedite its consideration.
“Today, House Republicans and Speaker Johnson made it clear: violently anti-Semitic rhetoric has no place on college campuses. Anti-Semitism has spread like wildfire on college campuses and now more than ever, it is crucial that we stamp it out,” said Senator Scott. “I am urging Chuck Schumer to immediately bring my bill, the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act, to the floor for a vote and for every single Senator to support it. The Senate has a responsibility to stand against hatred so our Jewish brothers and sisters can live without fear.”
“Jewish Americans, and people of all faiths across our state and nation, are looking for leadership from their elected leaders. We cannot tolerate anti-Semitism, or any form of bigotry and hatred targeted at Americans because of their religious faith. I will always stand for the right of every American to practice their faith openly without fear of violence or harassment. I applaud my bipartisan colleagues for passing this critical bill and call on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to immediately pass the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act of 2023 and President Biden to sign it into law,” said Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03).
“What is happening at Columbia, at Yale, at UCLA, and so many other schools, is reprehensible and alarming,” said Congressman Lawler (NY-17). “When people engage in harassment or bullying of Jewish individuals where they justify the killing of Jews or use blood libel or hold Jews collectively responsible for the actions of the Israeli government – that is anti-Semitic. It’s unfortunate that needs to be clarified, but that’s why this bill is necessary.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, has placed a notable emphasis on anti-Semitism, especially in academic settings. The CNN report noted that his recent visit to Columbia University—to meet with Jewish students and hold a press conference shed light on the growing concern within federal circles about the safety and well-being of Jewish students across the nation. During his visit, Speaker Johnson called for the resignation of Columbia’s president, Minouche Shafik, pointing to her inadequate responses to anti-Semitic incidents.
Building on his actions, Speaker Johnson announced a comprehensive “House-wide effort to crack down on anti-Semitism on college campuses.” The information provided in the CNN report indicated that this initiative, detailed at a news conference, signifies a robust commitment to expanding the scope of oversight across various House committees, particularly focusing on the enforcement of existing anti-discrimination laws and potentially introducing new legislative measures.
In a related development, the CNN report affirmed that Rep. Virginia Foxx of North Carolina, chairwoman of the House Education Committee, has taken proactive steps by summoning representatives from several leading universities to appear before her panel. Institutions such as Yale, UCLA, and Michigan have been notified to discuss their handling of anti-Semitic incidents on their respective campuses, the CNN report added. Scheduled for May 23, this hearing aims to hold these institutions accountable and explores more effective strategies to prevent such incidents in the future.
The Speaker’s office further announced that the House would investigate the allocation of federal funding to universities, scrutinize the foreign student visa program, and examine the tax benefits afforded to these institutions, as was described in the CNN report. This broadened scope of oversight suggests a comprehensive approach to understanding and possibly restructuring the federal support that universities receive, aligning it more closely with their compliance with federal anti-discrimination guidelines.
Amidst legislative actions aimed at combating anti-Semitism, Johnson also faces internal threats to his leadership, highlighting the often-contentious nature of political leadership and policy advocacy in today’s polarized environment.
A small but vocal faction of conservative hardliners has expressed dissatisfaction with his leadership, culminating in GOP Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene’s announcement of her intent to seek a vote on Johnson’s ouster, as per the CNN report. Although Democrats are expected to oppose this motion, thus likely securing Johnson’s position, the move adds considerable pressure on him and sets the stage for a dramatic showdown on the House floor.
Rep. Greene has also stated that she cannot support the bill due to its definition of anti-Semitism, which includes the historical allegation that Jews were responsible for the death of Jesus—a claim she asserts is supported by Christian scripture, the report on CNN said. This interpretation is highly contentious and has been historically linked to justifications for anti-Semitic violence, making her stance particularly divisive and inflammatory within the context of efforts to combat anti-Semitism, the CNN report suggested.
The issue of anti-Semitism is not confined to the halls of Congress but extends into college campuses, notably Columbia University, which has become a focal point for debates over free speech and anti-Semitism. As was noted in the CNN report, some Democratic lawmakers have called for the university to disband pro-Palestinian encampments that have been clear sources of virulently anti-Semitic rhetoric, while others have engaged directly with student activists in an attempt to address the tensions.
The situation escalated when protestors occupied Hamilton Hall, an historic building on campus which was the site of a student takeover 56 years ago by those protesting US involvement in the Vietnam war. Those protests were led by former Columbia student Mark Rudd of the Students for a Democratic Society organization.
The CNN report also opined that former President Donald Trump has again come under scrutiny for his remarks and associations that many critics view as exacerbating tensions around Jewish identity and loyalty.
In a recent interview, Trump stated that any Jewish person who votes for Democrats “hates their religion” and “everything about Israel,” CNN reported. Many Jewish organizations who are in the forefront of support for Israel and works towards strengthening traditional Jewish identity amongst its members gave their full throated endorsement and total imprimatur to Trump’s statement.
The CNN report however said that this comment taps into the anti-Semitic trope of dual loyalty, suggesting that Jewish Americans are more loyal to Israel than to the United States, a notion that has been historically used to marginalize and discriminate against Jewish communities.
As universities across the United States witness a surge in student-led protests regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the academic landscape has become a microcosm of the broader geopolitical tensions. The protests on college campuses are largely fueled by erroneous perceptions of ongoing oppression over 70 years involving Palestinian rights, land, and culture.
Concurrently, many in the Jewish community feel an acute need for increased support for Israel, especially in the wake of heightened anti-Semitic violence and threats following Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023. For many Jews, Israel is not only a nation but a crucial sanctuary for a historically oppressed people. Despite some criticisms of specific Israeli policies, including those under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the prevailing view among many Jews is that anti-Israel and anti-Zionist sentiments often intersect dangerously with anti-Semitism, as was revealed in the CNN report.
The ADL has noted a historic surge in violence and threats against Jewish students. The report on CNN confirmed that the situation is exacerbated when Jewish students at some rallies report threats and encounter explicitly anti-Semitic rhetoric, calling attention to the volatile intersection of free speech and hate speech in protest environments.
The Jewish Voice praised the House passage of this important legislation. “The implementation of the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act aims to provide educational institutions with clear guidelines on how to recognize and address acts of anti-Semitism effectively. By codifying the IHRA definition into law, it offers administrators and policymakers a specific framework for action, potentially leading to more consistent and proactive measures across campuses nationwide. This act is seen by its proponents as a vital step in ensuring that Jewish students can pursue their educational goals in a safe and supportive environment, “ said Jewish Voice publisher, David Ben Hooren.
Ben Hooren also lauded Speaker Johnson’s efforts to address the campus anti-Semitism issue head on. “In the face of increasing anti-Semitic incidents across the United States, particularly in educational settings, the Jewish community has strongly advocated for more robust legislative measures. The Anti-Semitism Awareness Act, supported by House Speaker Mike Johnson, emerges as a significant legislative effort designed to address and mitigate these concerns by providing clearer guidelines for identifying and combating anti-Semitism on college campuses,” he declared.
A New York City nonprofit that received more than $12 million from Goldman Sachs’ charitable arm encouraged anti-Israel activists to re-create the violent protests of “the summer of 2020,” just hours before rioters stormed and occupied a building on Columbia University’s campus.
More than 100 masked and keffiyeh-clad activists convened in the People’s Forum’s Manhattan office Monday evening to plan their next moves as anti-Israel protests reach a fever pitch across the country. The meeting, which was scheduled to start at 6:45 p.m., was delayed to give protesters from Columbia time to make it downtown.
Once the Columbia protesters arrived, People’s Forum executive director Manolo De Los Santos urged the group to “give Joe Biden a hot summer” and “make it untenable for the politics of usual to take place in this country.” Los Santos praised Columbia students for “decid[ing] that resistance is more important than negotiations,” and urged those assembled at the People’s Forum to “support our students so that the encampments can go for as long as they can.”
Los Santos also ranted about the “Zionist” Columbia administrators who “want to be more like their masters in Israel.”
The “Volunteer Meeting,” which the Washington Free Beacon attended via Zoom, concluded at 9:30 p.m. following “break out sessions” that focused on organizing new methods of “resistance.” A few hours later activists smashed the windows of Columbia’s Hamilton Hall and barricaded themselves inside.
No arrests were made. The People’s Forum did not respond to a request for comment over whether they were aware of any attendees who rioted at Columbia.
The People’s Forum, a registered charity that describes itself as “a movement incubator for working class and marginalized communities,” has been a mainstay at anti-Israel protests since Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023, attack on the Jewish state. A day after the attack, the People’s Forum organized a Times Square protest where attendees celebrated Hamas and waved posters with anti-Semitic slogans and imagery. One protestor waved a picture of a Nazi flag on his cellphone.
It is not clear who was or who was not a Columbia student at the People’s Forum meeting, although several had just returned from the campus. But Los Santos encouraged attendees to head back.
“The moment the call goes out, we have to go back out,” he said. “We have to be the bodies willing to stand between the police and our students.”
Columbia president Minouche Shafik effectively shut down the campus on Tuesday, barring anyone who is not a student or staff “who provide essential services” from stepping foot on its grounds.
The People’s Forum’s operations are made possible in large part by a $12 million donation from Goldman Sachs’s charitable arm. The source of that money is likely Neville Roy Singham, a communist who has “long admired Maoism.”
Singham, an American businessman who lives in China, reportedly helps finance the Chinese Communist Party’s “propaganda worldwide,” according to the New York Times. His wife, Jodie Evans, is the leader of the activist group Code Pink. Under her leadership, the group has celebrated China as “a defender of the oppressed and a model for economic growth without slavery or war.”
“As with any donor advised fund, the prior donation was made with the client’s money, at the client’s direction,” a Goldman Sachs spokesman told the Free Beacon. “This was not firm money.”
Groups like the People’s Forum stand to lose their charity status if they are found to be party to riots and violent protests, experts told the Free Beacon. The IRS’s charity guidelines state that groups may lose their charity status if they engage in “planned activities that violate laws” or “induce the commission of crime.” That could make it harder for the group to raise money, as its donors would no longer enjoy a tax benefit on their donations. It would also require the People’s Forum to pay taxes on any donations it receives.
When asked whether the People’s Forum would bail out protesters arrested on Columbia’s campus, one woman affiliated with the group told the Free Beacon bail was not a concern, given the city’s approach to the protesters.
“There has been no need for bail for the vast majority of those who have been arrested,” the woman said, “because they’re just booked and released.”
NYPD officers remove Palestinian flag and replace the American flag at City College of NY. (Twitter Screenshot)
By Daniel Greenfield, Frontpage Magazine
I’ve written quite a bit since 9/11 about where I expected the growing battle between America and Islamic terrorists to go, but this is still a stunning moment.
NYPD RAISES OLD GLORY AT CCNY
It’s all the more stunning in contrast to what’s going on in Los Angeles at UCLA.
UCLA UPDATE 🚨: Still ZERO law enforcement present, dozens of people needing medical assistance, and this man appears to be bleeding profusely in his right arm. Security ordered to stand down, no LAPD presence. A Jewish woman said multiple men assaulted her, no security help. pic.twitter.com/32pMZqtLCa
No one in the LAPD is talking in these terms. The LAPD is refusing to answer calls from people under attack by Hamas supporters.
As bad as Mayor Eric Adams and the NYPD may be in some ways, they’re still fighting where most police forces in liberal cities have surrendered or switched sides.
We will remember moments like this in the years to come and they may well define the final outcome.
The Embassy of Israel in India said on Wednesday it conducted a security drill in collaboration with Indian security forces in New Delhi last week.
The announcement came as Israeli diplomatic missions are bracing for a surge of antisemitism amid reports that the International Court of Justice may issue arrest warrants for Israel’s top leaders.
Foreign Minister Israel Katz instructed the country’s embassies to “immediately prepare for the outbreak of a severe anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli anti-Semitic wave in the world.”
Due to what the Foreign Ministry said is the “seriousness of the threat,” Katz also instructed Israeli representatives to impress on local Jewish communities the need to boost security for their institutions.
In recent days, reports have multiplied that the ICC chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, may soon issue warrants for the arrest of senior Israeli officials for war crimes, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Chief of the Israel Defense Forces Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi.
It is also speculated that Khan will ask for warrants to be issued against Hamas leaders.
BIDEN’S SLOW MOTION BETRAYAL OF ISRAEL
Israel is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, which founded the ICC.
According to the Israeli embassy in New Delhi, the drill’s primary objective was “to assess and synchronize the readiness of security forces to counter potential future threats effectively.”
Involved in the day and night simulations were India’s Ministry of Home Affairs, the Delhi Police, the National Security Guard, and local emergency services such as the fire department and traffic police.
The embassy said the exercise enabled the embassy staff and Indian forces to refine their coordination, communication, and operational procedures.
“These collaborative exercises strengthen our nations’ cooperation in security and defense and reinforce our shared commitment to global stability.
We remain steadfast in our determination to foster continued collaboration for a safer world,” said Israeli Ambassador to India Naor Gilon.
In February 2012, bombings targeting Israeli embassy personnel in New Delhi and Bangkok injured four, while another bomb was discovered and safely defused in Tbilisi. The attacks were attributed to Iran.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (Ronaldo Schemidt/Pool via AP)
(DCNF) Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Israeli Prime Minister met in Tel Aviv on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing Israel-Hamas war — and disagreements over the next phase of conflict.
The Biden administration is backing an effort to reach a deal between Israel and Hamas for a temporary ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza in exchange for the release of hostages. During their meeting on Wednesday, Blinken discussed the ceasefire deal with Netanyahu and “the need to avoid further expansion of the conflict,” underscoring the Biden administration’s “clear position” on opposing an Israeli invasion of Rafah, the southernmost region of Gaza, according to a readout of the meeting.
But Netanyahu reportedly told Blinken that he would not accept a deal in which Israel permanently ends its war efforts, which Hamas is demanding as a term of the deal, according to two Israeli and U.S. officials who spoke to Axios. Netanyahu said that if Hamas doesn’t make concessions on that demand, the deal will be scrapped and Israel will push forward with an invasion into Rafah.
The expanded meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem, has concluded. pic.twitter.com/s3D6fEEHU6
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) May 1, 2024
A day prior to his meeting with Blinken, Netanyahu said that Israel would invade Rafah “with or without” a ceasefire deal to free the hostages. The Israeli government sees Rafah as the endgame to the war after waging a campaign through north and central Gaza that has largely eradicated Hamas.
When asked about Netanyahu’s comments on Tuesday, Blinken said the Biden administration’s focus was on a ceasefire deal and the release of hostages, according to The New York Times. Netanyahu and Blinken discussed the current proposed deal for roughly three hours on Wednesday.
President Joe Biden has said that an Israeli assault in Rafah would be crossing a “red line,” as the Biden administration fears it will pose a significant risk for the roughly 1.5 million refugees and civilians in the region. The Biden administration has asked Israel to provide a credible plan for an invasion that guarantees civilian safety and doesn’t have a disproportionate impact on the region.
But Israel has yet to provide that plan, according to the State Department.
“It continues to be the case that we have not seen a credible plan that would address the varying areas of concerns,” State Department deputy spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters on Tuesday. “Any kind of military operation into Rafah that does not address these concerns would be unacceptable to the United States.”
The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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It was unusual, but hardly surprising, that Turkish national Hassan Saklanan tried to stab an Israeli police officer in Jerusalem on Tuesday.
Saklanan was shot and killed by responding officers in Jerusalem’s Old City.
According to Turkish media reports, the 34-year-old Saklanan was an imam from the southern Turkish city of Sanliurfa and was part of an official Religious Affairs delegation.
Turkish reports added that Saklanan did not participate in the delegation’s tour that day, saying he wasn’t feeling well.
Terror attacks by foreign nationals in Israel are not common, but the stabbing draws attention to efforts to quietly expand Turkish influence in eastern Jerusalem — particularly in the Old City — over the past decade.
This includes a surge in reports of Turks participating in disturbances on the Temple Mount.
It is widely believed that these individuals are backed by the Turkish government and institutions.
In eastern Jerusalem, Palestinians refer to the practice as “Jihad Tourism.”
Turkish associations have undertaken significant renovation projects, revitalizing numerous houses and mosques in the Old City.
TURKISH TOURIST SHOT DEAD AFTER STABBING ISRAELI OFFICER, POLICEWOMAN INJURED IN SAMARIA CAR RAMMING
Moreover, Turkish-financed guest accommodations have sprung up, offering free lodging to Turkish visitors.
The streets of the Old City are now adorned with Turkish goods, while signs of Turkish aid agencies, such as the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) are prominently displayed.
Israeli officials accuse TIKA of undermining Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalem.
As The Press Service of Israel reported in May 2023, TIKA says it seeks to “strengthen the Palestinian steadfastness in Jerusalem.”
The agency stopped its activities in the city in 2019 when Israeli officials threatened to revoke the diplomatic status of the heads of the TIKA’s Jerusalem office.
Then-Foreign Minister Israel Katz accused TIKA of supporting the activities of the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas and of trying to change the status quo on the Temple Mount.
But as Israel and Turkey restored full diplomatic ties in January 2023, TIKA returned to Jerusalem.
Other Turkish institutions include the Turkish Heritage Association, also known as Miratna, which has vowed to actively prevent Israel’s “Judaization of Jerusalem.”
Miratna provides food packages and financial assistance to needy families, renovates houses, offers educational programs, and works to preserve Islamic heritage sites.
One other organization is Kutad, an Istanbul-based charity organization that is run by Hamas, raising concerns about potential links between Turkish interests and other extremist groups.
Kutad’s self-described role “is to protect the Islamic historical heritage in Jerusalem and to be a cultural bridge between Turkey and Palestine and Jerusalem.”
Hamas doesn’t normally frame its Jerusalem rhetoric by referencing the Ottoman Empire, but such references play well to the terror group’s Turkish hosts.
Kutad also finances construction projects in eastern Jerusalem, primarily homes and mosques.
According to Kutad, by building homes in eastern Jerusalem, Muslims create what is called in Arabic, ribat, which literally means a “battle line,” but refers to a tangible claim on the land.
The Press Service of Israel also reported that both Miratna and Kutad have supported Ramadan violence by paying people to stay on the Temple Mount to maintain a 24-hour Muslim presence on the holy site.
It isn’t known if Saklanan was in contact with any of those Turkish groups before carrying out his attack.
The best encouragement the students received was from President Joe Biden, who, when asked about anti-Semitism on college campuses, condemned it but then added that he was just as concerned about “those who don’t understand what’s going on with the Palestinians.” It was, as Alan Dershowitz and Andrew Stein wrote in The Wall Street Journal, a “very fine people” moment for the president. Photo Credit: AP
Marking Jewish American Heritage Month, Biden unveiled a proposal to update the 1964 Civil Rights Act to include protection for Jews.
After discussing the history and contribution of Jews in America, Biden focused on the pressing problem of antisemitism, and emphasized Hamas atrocities of October 7th as signaling the need to protect Jews.
He said, “Hamas’ brutal terrorist attack on October 7th against Israel marked the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust, resurfacing, including here in the United States, painful scars from millennia of antisemitism and genocide of Jewish people.”
Biden declared that the US’s commitment to supporting the Jewish State is “ironclad,” and said that Iran’s massive attack against Israel last month, “reminds us of the existential threats that Israel faces by adversaries that want nothing less than to wipe it off the map.”
The President also discussed the pressing need to secure the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, and added, “I have said to their families, we will not rest until we bring them home.”
To deal with these problems, Biden announced several proposals, including updating civil rights legislation to include Jews, investigating antisemitism at colleges and universities and increasing funding to heighten security at synagogues and Jewish Centers.
He said, “That is why I released the first-ever United States National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism and clarified the civil rights protections for Jews under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.”
“In addition, the Department of Education has launched investigations into antisemitism on college campuses, the Department of Justice is investigating and prosecuting hate crimes, and the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are focused on enhancing security in Jewish communities,” he added.
“We also secured the largest increase in funding ever for the physical security of nonprofits like synagogues, Jewish Community Centers, and Jewish schools,” Biden explained.
“I appointed Deborah Lipstadt, a Holocaust expert, as the first-ever Ambassador-level Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism.”
‘Together, we are sending the message that, in America, evil will not win. Hate will not prevail. The venom and violence of antisemitism will not be the story of our time.”
California — Roughly 100 pro-Israel vigilantes stormed the “Palestine Solidarity Encampment” at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, sparking battles with activists.
NOW at UCLA: Pro-Israel protesters just tore down the metal barricades and began ripping flags off the encampment. They trying to break in the encampment to fight people. pic.twitter.com/C5uVAEZuoh
UCLA CHAOS 🚨: Fights breaking out, dozens more sprayed, assaults happening on both sides, crowds growing larger, ZERO law enforcement present. A woman was just struck in the head. Utter Chaos and lawlessness. pic.twitter.com/ubpSqxxLP8
UCLA 🚨: FIGHTS continue through the night. Dozens injured , multiple bleeding, still ZERO law enforcement present. Both sides drag their wounded and fresh protestors replace them on the front. Total Anarchy. pic.twitter.com/Fl6T35zJRc
The raid occurred after nearly a week in which UCLA not only allowed the encampment to occupy the main plaza on campus, but also allowed pro-Palestinian activists to run their own security, barring access to students and the public.
The Daily Bruin, the student newspaper, reported the clashes:
Fireworks, tear gas and fights broke out just after 10:50 p.m. Tuesday night and continued early Wednesday morning as around 100 pro-Israel counter-protesters attempted to seize the barricade around and storm the ongoing Palestine solidarity encampment in Dickson Plaza.
…
After the barricades came down, counter-protesters and protesters inside the encampment began to fight. Counter-protesters shot fireworks into the encampment just after 11 p.m., and irritant gasses were released from both sides. A Daily Bruin reporter was indirectly sprayed in the face.
…
In another statement released at 3:30 a.m., protesters inside the encampment said the university has not done enough to protect students, and they repeated earlier calls for the university to meet their demands.
The Daily Bruin reported “multiple events of counter-protesters antagonizing the encampment” in recent days, but failed to note violence by the members of the encampment.
P
Videos had circulated for days of students, including but not limited to visibly Jewish students, being denied access to classes and walkways by masked pro-Palestinian activists excluding all but those who could show a special wristband.
Parent @UCLA gave permission to release this audio of her phone call with @UCLAPD as they describe the school’s directive to allow protestors to restrict the movement of Jewish students.
“Are the protestors allowed to block students who are paying tuition from classes? No, but… pic.twitter.com/qBo9TKci3v
On Sunday, Breitbart News was told by a UCLA security contractor that the university had delegated security to the activists. (Two days before, activists had used force to assault this journalist and exclude me from the encampment.)
UCLA is a taxpayer-funded public university and the area in front of Royce Hall is considered a public space.
Many in the Jewish community were shocked at the presence of the “Palestine Solidarity Encampment” and the apparent deference of university authorities toward it.
The area around UCLA is one of the most pro-Israel in the country. Beverly Hills, Brentwood, and Bel Air include a large number of Jewish families, especially Persian Jews, many of whom escaped the Islamic revolution in Iran.
Los Angeles is also home to a large number of Israeli expatriates.
Counter-protesters and activists had clashed from the start last Thursday, and tensions had built up for days. One prankster woke up the activists on Friday by playing Robin Williams’s monologue from Good Morning, Vietnam.
After confrontations at a pro-Israel counter-demonstration on Sunday, a pro-Israel group set up a large video screen opposite the encampment, showing video of Hamas atrocities in a continuous loop.
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) — who \had done nothing to protect the safety of students on campus as the activists used violence to patrol the perimeter of the encampment — issued a statement on X that he was monitoring the situation:
Photos of the California Highway Patrol in riot gear appeared on news wires, suggesting that the state had, finally, intervened after Newsom and UC President Michael Drake had been invisible on the issue of encampments for weeks.
lton Hall at Columbia University to remove pro-Palestinian activists who had smashed their way into the building early on Tuesday morning.
UCLA’s administration finally issued a statement on Tuesday, warning that the encampment was unlawful and that it had “requested law enforcement investigations into allegations of violence” by the activists at the encampment.
But it was only after the pro-Israel group arrived and began storming the barricades that law enforcement moved in, separating the two sides. It remains to be seen what happens to the surviving part of the encampment going forward.
Joel B. Pollak is Senior Editor-at-Large at Breitbart News and the host of Breitbart News Sunday on Sirius XM Patriot on Sunday evenings from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET (4 p.m. to 7 p.m. PT). He is the author of the recent e-book, “The Zionist Conspiracy (and how to join it),” now available on Audible. He is also the author of the e-book, Neither Free nor Fair: The 2020 U.S. Presidential Election. He is a winner of the 2018 Robert Novak Journalism Alumni Fellowship. Follow him on Twitter at @joelpollak.
