From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
College Democrats commend pro-Palestinian protesters on US campuses
The College Democrats of America, the US Democratic Party’s student organization, releases a statement in support of the anti-Israel protests that have erupted on college campuses across the United States over the last week, calling the actions of the protesters “heroic.”
“There is nothing more American than the right to protest peacefully for what is right,” the statement reads, commending “the bravery of students across the country who have been willing to endure arrests, suspension and threats of expulsion to stand up for the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people.”
Calling for a complete cessation of hostilities in Gaza and the release of the hostages held by Hamas and other terror groups, the College Democrats say that the end goal must be a “two-state solution where both Palestinians and Israelis can live side by side in peace.”
“Our position is clear: We stand with those protesting for peace and we find all calls for violence, such as those against Jewish and Muslim students, wrong,” the statement continues. “Those spreading hate have no place in the movement for peace.”
The statement avoids mentioning any specific circumstances in which Jewish students have faced antisemitism from anti-Israel protesters.
The College Democrats also urge US President Joe Biden and the Democrats to call on Israel to end the war against Hamas in Gaza, accusing the party of failing to represent youth voices.
“Each day that Democrats fail to stand united for a permanent ceasefire, two-state solution, and recognition of a Palestinian state, more and more youth find themselves disillusioned with the party,” the statement adds.
— College Democrats of America (@CollegeDems) April 30, 2024
