a big performance by Anti-Israel protesters at New York University (NYU) Jewish students and onlookers passing through the area on Monday condemned it, with many in the crowd verbally expressing their displeasure at the unruly scene.
“I don’t think they know what they’re protesting for,” Jewish NYU student Natalie told Fox News Digital.
“I think there are a lot of educated people out there – educated in their own right, but I think there’s also a lot of people who don’t really know what they’re doing. They want to be a part of something bigger.” Gang mentality. Call it whatever you want, it’s not real,” he added.
Passersby accused the protesters of being “bullies stalkers” and “TikTok lovers” who were not informed about the current situation in Israel and Gaza. Anti-Israel activists repeatedly tried to disrupt interviews between Jews and journalists. Still, he refused to go on camera himself to convey his message.
Anti-Semitic agitators: What protesters are shouting at specific US universities
NYU students told Fox News Digital that Jews do not feel safe on campus and that some anti-Israel protesters have no idea why they are demonstrating. (Nicholas Lannum/Fox News Digital)
Fox News Digital contacted about 30 protesters who either espoused anti-Israel messages, carried Palestinian flags or held other signs criticizing the Jewish state. When they were asked to speak they all declined the opportunity.
They stood in a closed area and kept chanting which then spread onto the road in front NYU Stern School of Business,
A group wearing face coverings and “Free Palestine” shirts held signs and chanted, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” They also played metal pieces together to encourage the audience to clap.
A large group of protesters chanted with megaphones, “Settlers, settlers go home. Palestine is our home.” Many people wore masks.
A woman later led the protesters chanting “There is only one solution, the intifada revolution”.
One person in the crowd, who asked to remain anonymous, said he believed recent anti-Israel demonstrations, while permissible, are a form of “self-gratification.” He took issue with the picture of Islamic Jihad terrorist Yaqub Qadri displayed by the protesters.
“These are leftists. They are generally in support of terrorism,” he said.
A crowd watches as anti-Israel protesters chant slogans in front of the NYU Stern School of Business on April 22, 2024. (Nicholas Lannum/Fox News Digital)
The man said he had spoken to many New Yorkers who felt the same way about the demonstrations.
“Look, killing children is bad. But is this going to change anything? No, wait! Shut up,” he said.
Many anti-Israel protesters on campus turned violent later that nightBottles were thrown at police officers sent to disperse a large, unruly crowd, officials said.
New York City Police Department sources confirmed to Fox News on Tuesday that law enforcement arrested 133 protesters, using zip ties and flex cuffs to remove protesters from the precinct. They were taken to the police headquarters in a bus and charged with trespassing, sources said.
An NYU spokesperson said the school was “deeply troubled” by the incident and suggested that many of the protesters were not affiliated with the school.
“This violation was in violation of the instructions of campus security officials and numerous university rules,” the spokesperson said.
Guy, a second-year student at NYU, told Fox News Digital that he is a proud Jew and does not want what happened at columbia university To spread in your premises.
Guy said, “I want Jews to feel safe.”
He also suggested that anti-Israel protesters specifically chose April 22 to hold their event because they knew most Jews would be celebrating Passover, giving them an opportunity to come across as the majority.
On April 22, protesters at NYU accused the school of engaging in genocide. (Nicholas Lannum/Fox News Digital)
Guy said that his Jewish family members, friends and classmates are all in favor of a two-state solution for Israel and Gaza, but also believe in the security and development of Israel (Zionism).
“For some reason, (anti-Israel protesters) have this misconception that all Jews don’t believe in Arab rights and don’t believe in these things, and that’s because they’ve decided to Americanize the issue of the Middle East. Struggle,” he said.
“They’ve decided to make it like the Jews, the white Arabs, the dark black people. That’s what they’ve decided to do. And so, they’re like Whitey is bad, Whitey will never want peace, you know. But so Absolutely not.”
Both Guy and Natalie said they want Jewish voices to be heard and to create a stronger dialogue between people on all sides of the issue.
“I just want to promote a better environment and a place for people to learn, an education institution, where you should be confident, you should come to class ready to learn and you should come with a clear mind and Open hearts don’t encourage it. Nobody’s doing a good job of stopping it,” Natalie said. “I don’t even know what to say right now. Needed I have no words.”
NYPD officers make a mass arrest of anti-Israel protesters while demonstrating outside NYU’s Stern School of Business in Manhattan, New York, on Monday, April 22, 2024. Permanent ceasefire between Israel and Gaza. (Julia Bonavita/Fox News Digital)
He acknowledged that, unlike some of his peers, he may have had a false sense of security from serving in the Israeli army. Natalie is still walking around, feeling like she’s still in uniform and carrying her gun. But all that remains is the Star of David necklace that she wears in public.
“This is my protection,” she said, holding up the pendant. “I am proud of who I am and will always be grateful. I will always have time to protest loudly and proudly.”
Natalie said 7 October terrorist attacks him personally. She witnessed the situation as protesters tore down posters of the hostages, which she recognized as photos of people she and her family knew.
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“A lot has happened anti-semitic rhetoric On campus. There has been a lot of hatred. There are many people who do not feel comfortable walking around wearing a kippah. And to me, it’s extremely, extremely sad,” she said.
“I don’t know if you can tell, but I’m a little excited right now. You know, it’s hard. Listen – it’s not just here. It’s in Colombia, and it’s all over the US – many around the world. On different campuses, for that matter. At the end of the day, Jews need to feel united and safe and they don’t feel safe right now,” Natalie said.
NYU didn’t come back fox news digital Request for comment.
Fox News’ Chris Pandolfo and Michael Dorgan contributed to this report.
