Pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted a town hall at Rutgers University, shouting anti-Israel slogans and forcing officials to end the meeting early. The incident left Jewish students feeling unsafe and targeted, with police having to escort them out through the back door due to safety concerns.
The protesters, advocating for the BDS movement, chanted slogans like “one solution, intifada revolution,” targeting Jewish students and causing a stir on campus. The Jewish students had attended the town hall seeking answers and protection from the administration but were met with hostility instead.
Attorney Cory Rothbort, representing student Rivka Schafer, described the experience as horrifying for the Jewish students in attendance. The incident highlighted the ongoing tensions and antisemitic behavior on campus, with Schafer even being targeted with flyers in her dormitory.
Despite the intimidation tactics, the Jewish students stood their ground, refusing to be bullied into leaving through emergency exits. They expressed gratitude to Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway for defending the university’s relationship with Tel Aviv University and condemning the BDS movement.
Rothbort emphasized the need for colleges to address and prevent bullying, harassment, and discrimination based on religion or other characteristics. The incident at Rutgers University serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting engagement and dialogue over isolation and hostility in addressing complex issues.
