Columbia University and New York University campuses have witnessed escalating anti-Israel protests, which have led to arrests and clearances by the authorities, sparking further demonstrations that have grown increasingly intense. New York City Mayor Adams pointed out that external individuals have been involved in provoking and fueling the protests.
On April 22, students from New York University also joined in solidarity with Columbia students, camping outside the Stern School of Business at Gould Plaza to protest. On Monday night, NYU requested police intervention to clear out the plaza, resulting in the arrest of 130 protesters, triggering intense resistance from the crowds with some individuals throwing bottles at the police. Protesters then proceeded to march towards the New York City Police Department headquarters carrying flares, waving flags, beating drums, and chanting “Gaza.”
On April 23, protest organizers in New York called for teachers and students to strike, gathering in Washington Square near the NYU campus in the afternoon to continue their protests.
According to 1010 WINS, demonstrators stated that they are not only showing support for Palestinians but also condemning the actions of the NYPD. Jacob Remes, a history professor at NYU who participated in the protest, criticized the police for causing chaos, stating that the government should not be arresting peaceful protesting teachers and students. Anusha, a junior student at NYU, also believed that the arrests were unjustified, claiming that the school’s statement labeling the protest chants in Arabic as intimidating was essentially a form of anti-Palestinian racism. That same afternoon, anti-Israel protest activities were also observed at the gates of Columbia University and the New School located in Greenwich Village.
Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry of the NYPD responded by stating that the clearing was carried out in response to NYU’s request to disperse those who were “disrupting the safety of our community.” Despite facing violent resistance during the clearance, the police maintained professionalism and composure. Mayor Adams, during the weekly press conference at City Hall on the 23rd, also mentioned that many “external agitators” who were not students had infiltrated the campus protests, with the intention of causing disturbances at NYU. The mayor further stated that these unrelated individuals were inciting violence, and the city administration would not allow sparks to grow into a raging fire.
Jewish students at NYU who felt threatened believed that the school took the right actions, emphasizing that anti-Jewish sentiment should not be taken for granted.
Additionally, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum announced that a rally would be held at Columbia University’s main gate at noon on April 26 to remind the world that 133 Israeli hostages are still being held by Hamas.