The White House on Sunday condemned the calls for “violence and physical intimidation targeting Jewish students” as protests continue at colleges in the U.S., including the latest demonstration at Columbia University in New York.
“While every American has the right to peaceful protest, calls for violence and physical intimidation targeting Jewish students and the Jewish community are blatantly Antisemitic, unconscionable, and dangerous — they have absolutely no place on any college campus, or anywhere in the United States of America,” White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates said in a statement shared with The Hill.
“And echoing the rhetoric of terrorist organizations, especially in the wake of the worst massacre committed against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, is despicable. We condemn these statements in the strongest terms,” he continued.
The statement came shortly after reports circulated Sunday that a rabbi associated with Columbia University sent a message to 300 Jewish students to leave campus, return home and remain there ahead of the start of Passover, the Jewish holiday that begins Monday night.
The Campus Hilel countered this statement, writing on X, “We do not believe that Jewish students should leave @Columbia. We do believe that the University and the City need to do more to ensure the safety of our students.”
Protests have been ongoing at Columbia University since last week, when dozens of pro-Palestinian demonstrators set up an encampment of dozens of tents on campus. Columbia University President Minouche Shafik later authorized the New York Police Department to help remove the encampment.
More than 100 protesters were taken into custody, NBC News reported last week.
All university students involved in the demonstration were told they are suspended, according to school officials.
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White House condemns "blatantly antisemitic" protests amid ongoing unrest at Columbia https://t.co/lkaddDM1Ji
— The Hill (@thehill) April 21, 2024
I realize they don’t have tiki torches, but you can’t hide from what’s happening here. Many in the press are desperate to ignore these videos and images because it undermines the narrative that this type of hate only exists on the far-right and not among their ideological allies. https://t.co/6NQnjT9yDH
— AG (@AGHamilton29) April 21, 2024
In response to “horrific” scenes of antisemitic harassment at and around campus, the Orthodox Rabbi at Columbia/Barnard sent a WhatsApp message to more than 290+ Jewish students this morning recommending that they go home until it’s safe again for them on campus: pic.twitter.com/uqAntEICLv
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) April 21, 2024
When they claim the protests at @Columbia University are peaceful, show them this video.
The coward with the covered face holds a sign that reads: "Al-Qasam's Next Targets" with an arrow pointing to students holding Israeli and American flags.
Al-Qasam is the military arm of… pic.twitter.com/v8zDizxkP9
— Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) April 21, 2024
The easiest way out of the mess many universities have made for themselves is also the most appropriate. If any group of students threatens to "seize" the university and "force" administrators to do their will, they should be put on notice: any violence or attempt to physically… https://t.co/aUDTE69TX1
— Jonah Goldberg (@JonahDispatch) April 21, 2024
I just got sent this from a Columbia chat: pic.twitter.com/xpndY9ng0E
— John Podhoretz (@jpodhoretz) April 21, 2024
Protestors at Columbia are saying all classes at the university will have a virtual option beginning tomorrow.
They’re claiming it as a victory, but it’s because Jewish students feel unsafe and requested it. pic.twitter.com/7cVDEOpiao
— Steve McGuire (@sfmcguire79) April 21, 2024
This isn’t THE Ohio State University I attended. Never understood how someone or a group of people could have so much hate towards another. I hope behaviors & actions as such is addressed accordingly & allow EVERYONE to a Buckeye peaceful, proudly and SAFELY. As always #GoBucks https://t.co/kfoaVA3SKj
— Cardale Jones (@CJ1two) April 20, 2024
I fully agree with the White House—these “protests” are antisemitic, unconscionable, and dangerous.
Add some tiki torches and it’s Charlottesville for these Jewish students.
To @Columbia President Minouche Shafik: do your job or resign so Columbia can find someone who will. pic.twitter.com/azqfpWE5fx
— Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) April 22, 2024
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