A New Jersey Republican praised President Mike Johnson’s decision to visit Columbia University in response to anti-Israel protests on campus and criticized President Biden’s leadership on the issue, which has spread to campuses across the country. .
”“Chairman Johnson did a great job because October 7th should have been an absolute wake-up call for Iran to see what Hamas and its allies are all about,” Smith told Fox News Digital this week. spoke of Chairman Johnson’s visit to Columbia University’s campus in contrast. Biden’s leadership on this issue.
“The president is not. The president is nowhere to be found. He is unemployed and active. He is so worried about losing the votes of Dearborn, Michigan, that he busses Jews and Israelis. I think it’s shameful, and he needs to be bold and speak out against anti-Semitism.”
Michigan is seen by many as a “must-win” state for Biden, as he narrowly won it by less than 3 points in November. In recent months, a growing number of Palestinians in Dearborn, Michigan, and other parts of the state have indicated they would stop supporting him if he continues to support Israeli military operations in Gaza.
MIT anti-Israel activists remove fence and retake campus encampment after police clear it
L – Protesters break windows at Columbia University R – Joe Biden (Getty Images)
”We can hope, but I think it’s probably not going to happen,” he said when asked if he thought Biden should visit one of the many college campuses where anti-Israel protests are taking place. In response, Mr. Smith said:
FOX News Digital asked Smith what he hopes the Biden administration will do next.
“To speak out on behalf of the Israeli people, to support the full efforts of the Israeli people to eradicate the cancer of Hamas. Hamas is once again dedicated to one thing: the murder of Jews. Hamas Charter It says, “They should not participate in the peace conference.” They want genocide and that is what is being done under Iran’s misguided leadership. ”
Asked about Columbia University’s recent decision to cancel graduation due to anti-Israel protests that have led to violence, harassment and arrests on campus in recent weeks, Smith said, “I thought it was here again.” ” he told Fox News Digital.
”“People like the Palestine Freedom Students are people who were part of Hamas, which is a terrorist organization and an organization that promotes genocide against Jews and Israel,” Smith said. It is inconceivable that they have stopped their activities.” Graduation ceremony practice. In my opinion, the fact that they are spewing hateful and anti-Semitic beliefs that endangers students and increases the potential for violence not only there, but all over the country, including at Rutgers in my state. , at a very, very high level. ”
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Student demonstrators parade with Palestinian flags outside the entrance to Hamilton Hall on the Columbia University campus in New York, Tuesday, April 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Mary Altafer, Pool)
Smith visited Rutgers University In his home state of New Jersey, students responded to anti-Israel protests on the same campus last week with a list of demands, including the divestment of the school from an Israeli corporation.
”We just had a situation at Rutgers University where we had another encampment that we’re seeing all over the place,” Smith explained. This is not a sporadic thing. It’s all organized. And they made 10 demands. They are calling it a request to the government, of which we hear eight have already been submitted and two are under serious consideration. ”
Smith said divestment is one of the demands Rutgers is considering and that he believes BDS is simply an effort to “delegitimize Israel” and turn it into a “poor state.” .
“The president is nowhere to be found. He continues to operate without a job. I’m very worried about losing the votes of Dearborn, Michigan,” Congressman Chris Smith told Fox News Digital. (Congressman Chris Smith Office)
“This is a terrible, terrible exercise, and yet Rutgers says, well, let’s talk about it,” Smith continued. “They agreed to establish this cultural center, but this cultural center will potentially become a haven for anti-Semitic hatred. The president is being asked to apologize for Israel’s genocide. The president should ask Hamas and the students to apologize for their support since October.” On the 7th, and before and after, the genocidal regime. ”
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Mr. Biden has been heavily criticized for his response to anti-Israel protests across the United States, and many people objected to his decision. wait 9 days before making comments on camera and refusing to deploy the National Guard to restore order.
“So let me be clear,” Biden said last week. “Violent protest is not protected. Peaceful protest is protected. When violence occurs, it is a violation of the law. Destruction of property is not peaceful protest. It is a violation of the law. Vandalism, trespassing, breaking windows, shutting down campuses, and forcing classes and graduations to be instilled in people is not peaceful protest.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House for comment.
