From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Anti-Israel protesters gather outside Columbia for commencement
Luke Tress is The Times of Israel's New York correspondent.
Several dozen anti-Israel protesters gather outside the gates of Columbia University as the US university’s commencement begins.
There is a heavy police presence surrounding the campus and at least one person is arrested at the protest. The campus is closed to the public.
The protesters chant, “Columbia you’re a liar, you set Palestine on fire,” and “intifada revolution.” Many have their faces covered with keffiyehs.
Most passersby ignore the protests, rushing past in the drizzling rain to get to the ceremony.
Students protested at a commencement event for one of Columbia’s colleges yesterday, drowning out the acting university president with shouts and boos.
Last year’s commencement ceremony was canceled due to protests.
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