What It Is About
On Monday, police officers thwarted attempts by anti-Israel demonstrators to re-establish a protest encampment at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The demonstration was previously dismantled in the spring due to escalating antisemitic harassment against Jewish students and counter-protester attacks.
Why It Matters
The ongoing conflict between anti-Israel protestors and the UCLA campus community highlights broader issues of antisemitism, safety, and the right to education without disruption. This incident underscores the need for maintaining security and stability at educational institutions.
Details
Approximately 100 demonstrators participated in the encampment attempt, with police arresting 25 for deliberately disrupting university operations and one for interfering with an officer. The individuals received citations, 14-day exclusion orders from UCLA premises, and were released afterwards.
The demonstrators repeatedly attempted to set up tents, canopies, and barriers at various campus locations, significantly disrupting nearby final exams. Their actions resulted in the damage of campus property including a fountain, brick walkways, patio furniture, electrical fixtures, and vehicles, Philippe details in the police statement.
Incidents
Video footage from the event showcased masked anti-Israel protestors harassing Rabbi Dovid Gurevich and making derogatory remarks, attacking a security guard, assaulting a journalist, and telling a university administrator that he is “not safe.” Inculpators repeatedly chanted abusive rhetoric, escalating tensions and alarming onlookers.
“I can’t believe this is happening. In America. In 2024,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL chief, expressing disbelief at the harassment captured in the viral video. “This will get worse — much, much worse — unless good people on all sides step up, speak out, and start taking action.”
Background
Multiple anti-Israel protest camps have emerged on university campuses in the US and Europe, pressuring institutions to sever ties with Israel or businesses connected to its military. Organizers amplify calls to end Israel’s defense operations against Hamas, with some mistakenly labeling it as “genocide” against Palestinians.
Incidents like these have riled top American universities, including UCLA. Jewish community members and students have reported feeling unsafe amid antisemitic banners and statements during such demonstrations.
Context
The most recent protest happens in light of heightened tension on campus. Previous demonstrations were marked by counter-protests and a delayed response from campus police, leading to the police chief’s reassignment and the establishment of a new campus safety office. The latest effort to re-establish a protest camp was also met with firm action by police.
Looking Forward
The uprisings on the UCLA campus come just days before a scheduled meeting of the University of California regents at UCLA and the upcoming commencement ceremonies. These demonstrations against Israel and instances of antisemitism have surged substantially since the traumatic events on October 7, where Hamas-led terrorists launched a shocking attack on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 individuals and taking 251 civilians hostage.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.