Demonstrations against Israel have surged across the United States with Brooklyn witnessing thousands rallying for change amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions in Gaza. These protests come in the wake of mass arrests at various East Coast universities and reflect a growing discontent with the trajectory of the conflict with Hamas, historically a key ally of the United States.
Protests have notably followed President Joe Biden, who has identified as a “Zionist,” for months. On university campuses, these demonstrations have evolved into encampments drawing students and faculty from diverse backgrounds, including Jewish and Muslim faiths. Activities such as teach-ins, interfaith prayers, and musical performances have become integral parts of these gatherings.
In Brooklyn, tensions reached a climax on Tuesday as New York police arrested individuals for disorderly conduct during a large street protest. Criticism ensued from groups like the Council on American-Islamic Relations, condemning the use of police force and citing concerns about academic freedom.
Amid accusations of antisemitism and harassment, civil rights advocates, including the ACLU, have raised concerns about free speech. However, many campus protesters attribute off-campus incidents to rogue provocateurs attempting to hijack the protests’ message.
Students’ voices have echoed a spectrum of perspectives. Some, like Soph Askanase, a Jewish Columbia student, underscored the importance of reclaiming spaces for Palestinian voices, while others, like Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student at Columbia, criticized universities for failing to protect their rights.
The wave of protests has extended beyond the East Coast, with solidarity demonstrations at the University of California, Berkeley, and disruptions at the University of Minnesota campus. Calls for divestment from Israeli interests and conditional military aid from the United States have been central to protesters’ demands.
Amidst Passover observances, some Jewish demonstrators have taken to the streets, distancing themselves from the Israeli government’s actions. Katherine Stern, who sacrificed her family Seder to join the Brooklyn protest, voiced her opposition to what she sees as human rights violations in Gaza.
As tensions persist, the protests underscore a deepening engagement with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict within the United States, shaping dialogue and activism on college campuses nationwide.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
