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Columbia caves to anti-Israel mob, resorts to virtual classes as camps crop up at other elite campuses

April 22, 2024 | | Print Article

Columbia has caved to the radical pro-Palestinian mob that has taken over the campus spewing hatred against Israel and America, announcing they will hold virtual classes Monday in an overnight statement from the university president.

Meanwhile, drawing inspiration from the protests at Columbia, tents began popping up at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Tufts University, and Emerson College, according to CBS News. On that note, Harvard has restricted access to Harvard Yard until Friday afternoon.

Columbia University President Dr. Nemat “Minouche” Shafik claimed she was “deeply saddened” by the behavior of students who have formed an “encampment” on campus, according to Fox News. They are also haranguing Jewish students and faculty with anti-Israel slogans and chants. She made the statement in lieu of cracking down on the radical protesters, giving them credence instead.

“I am deeply saddened by what is happening on our campus,” Shafik asserted. “Our bonds as a community have been severely tested in ways that will take a great deal of time and effort to reaffirm. Students across an array of communities have conveyed fears for their safety and we have announced additional actions we are taking to address security concerns. The decibel of our disagreements has only increased in recent days. These tensions have been exploited and amplified by individuals who are not affiliated with Columbia who have come to campus to pursue their own agendas.”

“We need a reset,” she declared. “To deescalate the rancor and give us all a chance to consider next steps, I am announcing that all classes will be held virtually on Monday. Faculty and staff who can work remotely should do so; essential personnel should report to work according to university policy. Our preference is that students who do not live on campus will not come to campus.”

Shafik made a show of condemning “antisemitic language” and the “intimidating and harassing behavior on our campus.” But many feel her words hold no bite as she refuses to stop the protesters and is offering a chance for them to “sit down and talk” with those they hate.

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“There is a terrible conflict raging in the Middle East with devastating human consequences. I understand that many are experiencing deep moral distress and want Columbia to help alleviate this by taking action. We should be having serious conversations about how Columbia can contribute. There will be many views across our diverse community about how best to do this and that is as it should be. But we cannot have one group dictate terms and attempt to disrupt important milestones like graduation to advance their point of view. Let’s sit down and talk and argue and find ways to compromise on solutions,” she proclaimed in her statement.

In another toothless overture, the president said that she was hoping the university “will try to bring this crisis to a resolution” over the next few days.

“During the coming days, a working group of Deans, university administrators, and faculty members will try to bring this crisis to a resolution. That includes continuing discussions with the student protestors and identifying actions we can take as a community to enable us to peacefully complete the term and return to respectful engagement with each other. I know that there is much debate about whether or not we should use the police on campus, and I am happy to engage in those discussions. But I do know that better adherence to our rules and effective enforcement mechanisms would obviate the need for relying on anyone else to keep our community safe,” she ridiculously posited. “We should be able to do this ourselves.”

“Over the past days, there have been too many examples of intimidating and harassing behavior on our campus. Antisemitic language, like any other language that is used to hurt and frighten people, is unacceptable and appropriate action will be taken. We urge those affected to report these incidents through university channels. We also want to remind everyone of the support available for anyone adversely affected by current events,” Shafik added.

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She wrapped up her weak announcement by saying, “Let’s remind ourselves of our common values of honoring learning, mutual respect, and kindness that have been the bedrock of Columbia. I hope everyone can take a deep breath, show compassion, and work together to rebuild the ties that bind us together.”

An Orthodox rabbi at Columbia University and Barnard College advised Jewish students to leave Columbia until things were under control because he felt their lives could be in danger. That came after protesters were videoed chanting support for Hamas and terrorism while calling for violence against Jewish students.

Rabbi Elie Buechler advised hundreds of Jewish students to leave “as soon as possible,” contending that “what we are witnessing in and around campus is terrible and tragic.” This came as tensions were ratcheting up over the start of Passover.

“The events of the last few days, especially last night, have made it clear that Columbia University’s Public Safety and the NYPD cannot guarantee Jewish students’ safety in the face of extreme antisemitism and anarchy,” the rabbi said. “It deeply pains me to say that I would strongly recommend you return home as soon as possible and remain home until the reality in and around campus has dramatically improved.”

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House GOP Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) is incensed over the protests at Columbia and is demanding that Shafik “immediately resign.” More than 100 protesters have been arrested at Columbia so far.

Even more concerning is that the protests are spreading to other campuses. Students were zip-tied and hauled off at Yale as a protest broke out there as well. According to CNN, at least 40 students were arrested.

“Those arrested face charges of trespassing, a Class A misdemeanor, Yale Police Chief Anthony Campbell told the campus news publication Monday morning. Campbell said they would be released after processing,” CNN reported.

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