More than 200 pro-Palestinian protesters from Columbia University demonstrated Wednesday night against the arrival of former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who was speaking at an event on campus. The protesters wore keffiyehs and demonstrated near the venue where Bennett delivered his remarks. Columbia University has been known for its anti-Israel criticism since October 7.
Activists mobilized in front of Columbia University in New York to protest against hosting the former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett. pic.twitter.com/d4Ni4UfvaD
— Kuffiya (@Kuffiyateam) March 5, 2025
"The decision to host someone with such a violent and discriminatory record sends a message that the university prefers certain voices over others," said a spokesperson for one of the organizations that arranged the protest. A pro-Israel demonstration was also held at the location, with police separating the sides while preventing protesters from entering the hall where Bennett was speaking.
The demonstration was held concurrently with President Donald Trump's address to Congress. On Monday, the administration threatened to cancel a contract worth more than $50 million with the university due to failure to protect Jewish students during waves of protests on campus.
Yesterday, the president announced that "All federal funding will be cut to any college, school or university that allows illegal protests." He added, "All inciters will be jailed or permanently sent to the country they came from. American students will be permanently expelled, or, depending on the crime, arrested."
