Ongoing protests at Columbia University in New York, as well as other universities across the U.S., are drawing the attention of media and political figures. The demonstrators claim they are expressing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, where the death toll has surpassed 34,200, according to figures from the Palestinian Ministry of Health. However, supporters of Israel and others concerned about university safety have pointed to incidents of anti-Semitism, arguing that universities are fostering intimidation and hate speech.
The White House has announced that President Joe Biden supports freedom of expression at U.S. universities as student protests against the Israeli war in Gaza escalate. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated, "The President believes in the importance of free speech and debate and non-discrimination on university campuses.” She added, "We believe in people's ability to express themselves peacefully. But when we talk about hate speech and acts of violence, we must call that out."
On Sunday, Biden condemned "blatant anti-Semitism" that "has no place on university campuses." At Columbia University, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson denounced a "virus of anti-Semitism," calling for the university president to resign. Johnson stated, "If this is not contained quickly, and if these threats and intimidation are not stopped, there may be a suitable time for the National Guard."
In a notable incident in 1970, the National Guard fired on students during anti-Vietnam War protests at Kent State University in Ohio, resulting in four deaths. Amid the expanding pro-Palestinian protests, hundreds of demonstrators clashed with a police mounted unit at the University of Texas, while riot police dispersed protesters in other parts of the campus, according to videos shared on social media.
With rising anger over the high death toll in Gaza, particularly among young Americans, Washington is trying to balance its support for its ally Israel while preventing it from affecting Biden's re-election in November. The U.S. has demanded answers from Israeli authorities following the discovery of mass graves in two major hospitals in Gaza, coinciding with Biden signing a massive military aid package for Israel on the same day.
### Israel's Stance on the Protests
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the pro-Palestinian protests at several U.S. universities as "horrific," stating they "must stop." In a statement, Netanyahu said, "What is happening at American universities is horrifying, as anti-Semitic mobs have taken over leading universities." He remarked that the protesters "demand the elimination of Israel, attack Jewish students, and assault Jewish faculty members, reminiscent of what happened at German universities in the 1930s." He continued, "This is unacceptable, and it must stop."
