More than 200 pro-Palestinian students and demonstrators were arrested at recent demonstrations at Northeastern University in Boston, the University of Arizona, and Indiana University, as anti-Israel protests intensify at universities across the country.
Approximately 700 people have been arrested on U.S. campuses in the past 10 days as protests over the Gaza conflict increase.
One of the largest demonstrations occurred at Columbia University, where 108 people were arrested last week. Although university authorities have passed the deadline to remove protest tents set up on campus, demonstrators have yet to evacuate them.
The U.S. government affirms its commitment to freedom of expression and leaves the management of these protests to local governments. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stressed the importance of maintaining calm protests and ensuring the safety of all involved. However, Kirby, on behalf of the administration, condemned anti-Semitic comments heard at some protests.
Meanwhile, Israeli academic leaders have expressed grave concerns about anti-Semitic incidents and harassment of Jewish students during the protests.
In a statement released Friday, the presidents of Israel's research universities pledged to welcome Jewish scientists and students to universities across the country. While U.S. university leaders are grappling with a response to these protests, Israeli leaders say the situation may require action beyond the typical scope of university administration. .
