Over the past week, hundreds of students have been arrested for participating in hateful anti-Israel encampments on college campuses across the country.
Dozens of arrests have been made after rallies at schools ranging from Columbia University to the University of Southern California to the University of Texas at Austin violated school policies, using anti-Semitic language and trespassing. However, this does not apply to Liberty University.
A private Christian college in Lynchburg, Virginia, held a large rally Wednesday night on campus in Academic Lawn, but it did not attract much attention because there were no arrests and no anti-Israel or anti-Semitic sentiment. . Instead, large crowds prayed, worshiped, and read the Bible together.
“At a time when anger, hatred and violence are erupting on so many college campuses, it is refreshing to see Liberty University students worshiping King Jesus,” he said in a sermon at Wednesday’s gathering. Jonathan Falwell, pastor and president of Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, tweeted: To gather.
USC closes campus ‘until further notice’ following anti-Israel protests; 93 people arrested for trespassing
Liberty University students pray and worship during an outdoor church service on campus Wednesday, April 24, 2024. (Liberty University/X)
“There is no greater joy than seeing God’s people rejoice in God’s truth,” a Liberty University spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “We are all tragically witnessing protests erupting on college campuses across the country, using hateful language and promoting an evil ideology that supports the extermination of entire races. But in contrast, thousands of students at Liberty University finally gathered to read the Bible, preach, and pray on the school lawn in a night of worship for the Lord Jesus Christ. I am dedicating it to you.”
A spokesperson said 24-hour student prayer meetings are also being held in the campus chapel “as we approach the end of the semester.”
In a tweet, Liberty University described the event as “the final conclusion to a semester filled with worship, fellowship, and digging deeper into God’s Word together.”
Although not a protest, there was a clear contrast between public demonstrations on Liberty University’s campus and demonstrations at other universities.
Liberty University students attended a weekly religious service called Campus Church. On Wednesday, April 24, 2024, the service was uniquely held outdoors.
Instead of chanting “We are Hamas,” Liberty students shouted “Lord, the Great!”
Instead of repeating “From the rivers to the sea,” Liberty students chanted, “In the valleys we praise you, in the mountains we praise you.”
While other schools across the country held anti-Israel demonstrations, Liberty University held a large rally outdoors. (Liberty University/X)
On April 24, 2024, students held a public service at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. (Liberty University/X)
The Christian school’s rally follows protests at the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Southern California, where campuses were forced to close “until further notice” following anti-Israel protests in which 93 people were arrested for trespassing. It was carried out subsequently.
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Lt. Kelly Muniz told Wednesday Night
“It has not been decided yet whether they will be nominated or not. If they are nominated, it will be a misdemeanor. They will be nominated and will go through the nomination process,” Muniz said. .
Muniz said there were altercations in some of the protest areas and one person was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.
Students protest in support of Palestinians at the University of Southern California’s Alumni Park during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist organization Hamas on April 24, 2024 in Los Angeles, California, United States. University of Southern California safety officials attempt to disband the event. April 24, 2024. (Reuters/Zaidi Sanchez)
The university announced at 11:58 p.m. that the protests were declared over and the campus would be closed “until further notice.”
USC said, “The protest against the UPC has ended. However, the campus remains closed until further notice. Students, faculty, staff, and those with business on campus may enter with proper identification.” ” he tweeted.
Students build a protest camp in support of Palestinians in Alumni Park at the University of Southern California during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist organization Hamas on April 24, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Reuters/Zaidi Sanchez)
The Rev. Jonathan Falwell contrasted the Liberty rally with protests like the Columbia University encampment in New York that “erupt with anger, hatred, and violence.” (AP Photo/Stephen Jeremiah)
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University of Southern California President Andrew Guzman said the protesters’ actions “escalated into vandalism, defacement of campus buildings and structures, and even physical confrontations that threatened the safety of our employees and the campus community.” said.
He also said the school strictly rejects “hateful statements that cause harm to others.”
FOX News’ Elizabeth Pritchett contributed to this report.
