Henry Sears, a Jewish student who has said he supports a two-state solution between Palestine and Israel, told Scripps News on Tuesday that the protests started mostly peacefully and called it a “serious escalation” by Columbia University. He blamed those who called him.
Sears, co-president of Columbia University’s J Street U, appeared on “The Race” and spoke on the New York City campus as activists continue to demand that the university relinquish its financial interests tied to Israel. discussed the ongoing protests. Early Tuesday morning, demonstrators occupied the school’s Hamilton Hall and were seen breaking windows.
Scripps News host Chance Shields began by asking students about recent developments at Hamilton Hill, where Sears condemned this behavior. (Related article: ‘Chaos’: Prime Minister Johnson condemns campus protests after visit, says activists are ‘threatening’ and ‘intimidating’ Jewish students)
“I think this is a serious escalation of a peaceful protest,” Sears said.
“Do you condemn it?” Shields asked.
“Yes, we will. I don’t think this escalation will help students, faculty, staff or anyone in the Columbia community, especially those in treatment. [and] We are facing a terrible humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” Sears said.
“Let me be clear: I support Palestinian rights and a two-state solution, but I don’t support the camps, because they don’t support a two-state solution,” Sears said. said. “They do not support a future where Jews and Palestinians work together in Israel. There was a lot of tension on campus even before this escalation. This just crossed the line. ”
“What do you understand about their true purpose?” asked SEALs.
“Well, I can only ignore what they say their goal is complete financial divestment, complete financial transparency, and amnesty for student protesters. “I’m surprised they didn’t negotiate with the university,” Sears said. “The Colombian government provided full financial transparency regarding the donations, and then Colombia also offered to invest in educational opportunities in Gaza. It is a real victory for the camp and one that the majority of the Colombian community agrees with. I think it was something that could have come together like that. It’s very unfortunate that they didn’t embrace it.”
Shields concluded by asking students for their thoughts on former President Donald Trump’s comments criticizing President Joe Biden for continuing tensions in schools.
“I think, at least up until now, protests on campus have been peaceful for the most part, even though there have been horrific threats against Jewish students and horrible comments toward Jewish students. That’s no longer the case,” Sears said.
Protests at Columbia University began on April 17, with hundreds of students denouncing the university and eventually pitching tents on campus. While school officials attempted to resolve the ongoing issue, demonstrators continued their efforts despite police intervention.
The Ivy League school announced on April 22 that it would move the remaining classes online. President Nemat “Minoush” Shafiq said the decision was taken to “assuage resentment and give us all an opportunity to consider next steps.”
