According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, anti-Israel protesters at various universities in America have been collaborating with left-wing groups and activists, some of whom have connections to supporting terrorism. The protesters have sought guidance and training from organizations such as National Students for Justice in Palestine (NSJP) and Samidoun: Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network.
This collaboration has often involved months of preparation, strategizing, and encouragement. Recent clashes between pro-Palestinian protesters, administrators, and law enforcement have occurred at universities like Columbia and the University of California, Los Angeles. In some instances, riot gear, tear gas, and flashbangs have been deployed by the authorities. Prior to their protests, students at Columbia participated in a “teach-in” organized by former members of the Black Panthers. During this event, they were educated on managing internal conflicts within political movements and explored the parallels between gentrification in Harlem and the Israel-Palestine conflict.
“We took notes from our elders, engaged in dialogue with them and analyzed how the university responded to previous protests,” said an organizer in the pro-Palestinian encampment at Columbia.
According to the WSJ, the NSJP, with its extensive network of over 300 chapters nationwide, has recently played an active role in coordinating numerous pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses. Utilizing social media platforms, the group has provided guidance to demonstrators, including suggestions such as concealing their identities and offering strategies for handling law enforcement and protests. Additionally, the NSJP has been advocating for universities to disinvest from Israel.
$360,000 total investment at $90,000 a year.
Imagine all that money, all that effort, over shadowed by the radical “Free Palestine” movement during your graduation.
Sickening. pic.twitter.com/Gc09UH0tYb
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) May 4, 2024
Columbia University conducted a training session called “Resistance 101” in March for students. The training featured a guest speaker from the Canada-based group Samidoun, known for celebrating Hamas’ attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, which triggered the recent conflict. Despite the school’s opposition to the event and banning it twice due to the organizers’ connections to terrorism, students proceeded to host it virtually. As a result, several suspensions were issued.
“There is nothing wrong with being a member of Hamas, being a leader of Hamas, being a fighter in Hamas,” Charlotte Kates, Samidoun coordinator, said at the event. “These are the people that are on the front lines defending Palestine.”
Hamas carried out an initial assault on October 7th last year, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals. The organization currently has Israeli and American hostages in its custody. The U.S. State Department designated Hamas as a terrorist group back in 1997. A coalition of legal firms representing victims of recent Hamas assaults filed a lawsuit on Thursday against the NSJP and the American Muslims for Palestine, alleging that these groups actively promoted and furthered Hamas’ objectives.