How a small protest, largely unnoticed on campus, garnered national attention from pro-Israel groups
KATE HUANGPU
Columbia Spectator
Wed Oct 10 2018
Last Thursday, close to 40 protesters gathered on Low Steps for a protest organized by Students Supporting Israel, chanting, carrying signs, and shouting grievances with Columbia.
The protest, which was monitored by eight NYPD officers, was attended by fewer than 15 Columbia students—the majority of those in attendance were from outside, pro-Israel groups. Its primary audience was off-campus, too—Thursday’s demonstration on campus was reported on by at least 10 separate Jewish or Israeli news outlets, while many students passed by unaware.
In recent months, SSI has leveled claims that members of Students for Justice in Palestine, Columbia University Apartheid Divest, and Jewish Voice for Peace have threatened SSI’s members, recruited activists to disrupt and shut down SSI’s speakers, and vandalized SSI flyers, violating the Rules of University Conduct. In a report filed to the Student Governing Board, SSI called for pro-Palestine groups to be disciplined, and at Thursday’s protest, the group called on Columbia to further sanction pro-Palestine groups....
