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Investigation into pro-Palestine rally at University of Maryland after alleged ‘Holocaust 2.0’ messages

November 11, 2023 | | Print Article

“Holocaust 2.0.”

That was just one of the hateful messages that were allegedly written in chalk on the University of Maryland’s main campus plaza after a pro-Palestinian rally on Thursday went all-in on antisemitism.

“There is only one solution, Intifada revolution!” the protesters chanted.

Now one Jewish student says she no longer feels safe at her school.

“Now that I know what some people on this campus think, I don’t feel as safe walking around,” the student told WUSA9. “Especially alone and especially at night.”


(Video: YouTube)

The Thursday protest was organized by the Students for Justice in Palestine and advertised on Instagram.

“Walk out and sit in at Hornbake Plaza in calling for a ceasefire and reiterating our demands to the university [sic] of Maryland administration!!!” the group posted.

“Bring flags, kuffiyahs, and chalk!!” they urged attendees. “Stand on the right side of history AGAINST GENOCIDE.”

In a statement, the University of Maryland condemned the “antisemitic sentiment.”

“We are aware of hateful, antisemitic sentiment expressed at today’s demonstration by Students for Justice in Palestine. We condemn it in no uncertain terms,” the university said. “The offensive actions of a few should not reflect on the vast majority of protesters who were there to peacefully express their views, but there is no place for any antisemitic message, behavior or action at the University of Maryland.”

The school promised there would be accountability.

“The University of Maryland Police Department (UMPD) has launched an immediate investigation and continues to conduct real-time threat assessments,” it stated. “Responsible parties will be held accountable.”

In a joint statement with University of Maryland Jewish groups, the Anti-Defamation League’s D.C. chapter called the hateful graffiti “unacceptable.”

“We are deeply disturbed that students at University of Maryland were met yesterday with antisemitic graffiti that said, ‘Holocaust 2.0.'” the statement reads. “This imagery is deeply troubling whether it was meant to trivialize the Holocaust or seen as a direct threat against Jewish students. Either way it is dangerous and unacceptable.”

“It’s not enough that Jews around the globe are being targeted and attacked; they want more,” wrote International Relations analyst Yoni Michanie on X. “There should be no place on campus for such blatant hatred and violent intolerance.”

“I never thought I’d see this @UofMaryland, my alma mater,” said former student and Anti-Defamation League Government Relations staffer Jonathan Allen.

“A university with the 4th largest Jewish student population in the country—over 6,000 students (20% of campus).”

Melissa Fine
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