Masked protesters at Columbia University recently disrupted activities in the library, distributing flyers that referred to the Palestinian militant Bassel Al-Araj as “extremist intellectuals,” according to reports.
The pamphlets were reportedly organized by a group called Field Unity, known for its radical activism.
There seems to be a strong emphasis in the flyers on Al-Araj being labeled as an “extremist intellectual,” which, it appears, was meant to draw specific attention to his ideas and actions.
Notably, Al-Araj, a Palestinian activist, was killed by the Israeli Defense Forces during a 2017 incident in the West Bank, where he was reportedly involved in a plot to target Israeli entities.
Amid the turmoil at the Ivy League institution, protesters also covered a sign in the library with the names of known terrorists.
Field Unity, previously recognized as Palestine Action Us, is also behind a controversial “anarchist how-to manual” that made its rounds among students earlier this year.
This “Underground Manual” reportedly offered detailed instructions on inciting chaos and destruction.
On Wednesday, around 80 protesters were arrested as Columbia experienced yet another tumultuous day on its Morningside Heights campus.
Videos from the event depicted unruly crowds damaging library walls, displaying Palestinian flags, and adorning tables with colored tape while chanting.
It was also reported that two campus safety officers sustained injuries during the incident.
