Columbia University has banned the alleged perpetrators of a chemical attack during a pro-Palestinian rally from its campus while working with law enforcement to investigate the incident, which resulted in eight hospitalizations. The attack involved a foul-smelling substance, possibly "skunk," and was reportedly carried out by individuals who were former Israeli military soldiers, according to student accounts. This comes amid ongoing tensions surrounding Palestinian advocacy at the university, with student groups calling for accountability and expressing disillusionment with the administration's response.
Susan Sarandon has apologized for her remarks at a pro-Palestine rally in New York, where she compared the experiences of Jewish Americans to those of Muslims in the country. The actor expressed regret for diminishing the reality of Jewish persecution and hurting people with her comment. Sarandon's apology comes after being dropped as a client by UTA. The recent Israel-Hamas conflict has exposed deep divisions in Hollywood, with other individuals facing backlash for their comments on the issue.
Hollywood talent agency UTA has dropped Susan Sarandon as a client after she spoke at a pro-Palestine rally and made remarks that drew criticism. Sarandon encouraged others to speak up in support of Palestinians and thanked the Jewish community for their support. This comes after Maha Dakhil, co-head of film at CAA, faced backlash and resigned from the agency's board for reposting an image critical of genocide. Sarandon is the latest public figure to face consequences for their stance on the Israel-Hamas war.
Hundreds of pro-Palestine supporters gathered at the Town Center in Jacksonville to plea for a ceasefire amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. The rally comes after a resolution calling for de-escalation and a ceasefire was voted down by the Florida House of Representatives, with only two "yes" votes. Organizers expressed disappointment in elected officials who voted against the resolution, stating that it called for safety, dignity, and condemned antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racism. They hope more officials will support the call for a ceasefire to prevent further loss of innocent lives.
Inna Vernikov, a Jewish NYC councilwoman, was arraigned on firearms charges after wearing a gun on her waist while opposing a pro-Palestine rally at Brooklyn College. Her lawyer questioned the validity of the photo as evidence and demanded a ballistics report. Vernikov appeared in court but did not speak. Protesters called for her resignation and a ceasefire in the Middle East. She was released with a desk appearance ticket and ordered to surrender her gun and concealed carry license.
A student at Cooper Union college recalls being barricaded in the library while protesters chanted "calling for the murder of Jews" during a pro-Palestine rally. The university president acknowledged the incident and condemned hate and threatening conduct. The New York Police Department stated that there was no direct threat to the Jewish students, but the incident highlights growing open hatred towards Jewish people. The Lawfare Project senior counsel emphasized the need for universities to address safety concerns and prevent intimidation of Jewish students.
Hundreds gathered in Downtown El Paso for a pro-Palestine rally, calling for an end to the Israeli occupation, immediate ceasefire, and humanitarian aid for Gaza. While some expressed support for Palestine, others, like Rod Linkous, stood with Israel, criticizing the rally for being one-sided. Supporters of Palestine argued that the Palestinian people are being wiped out, blaming the U.S. for funding what they consider a genocide, while Linkous argued that Israel is not attempting genocide and pointed out the prosperous Muslim population in the country. Tensions continue to rise as both sides claim moral superiority.
The Muslim Community of Nassau County organized a pro-Palestine rally in Mineola, calling for peace in Gaza and an immediate ceasefire. Demonstrators emphasized the need for all sides to be heard and expressed their desire to live peacefully with others. The rally is part of a series of demonstrations taking place nationwide amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, which has resulted in a significant loss of life on both sides.
Around 100 people joined a pro-Palestine march led by the Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network at the Town Center in Jacksonville, Florida, to show support amid the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel. The organizers aimed to share "the other side of the story" and raise awareness about the struggles faced by Palestinians, emphasizing that the rally was not intended to attack the Jewish community but to have their voices heard.
Inna Vernikov, a conservative Republican councilwoman representing a South Brooklyn district, has been charged with criminal possession of a firearm after openly carrying a gun at a pro-Palestine rally at Brooklyn College. Vernikov, who is licensed to carry a gun, surrendered her weapon and permit to the police. Openly carrying firearms is not allowed in New York, and a state law prohibits carrying guns at protests and rallies. No one was harmed as a result of Vernikov's possession of the gun. Progressive groups and political figures are calling for her resignation or expulsion from her seat, while Vernikov's Democratic opponent in the upcoming general election has also criticized her actions.
The author highlights the disturbing response to the recent massacres in Israel, where some individuals and groups have made excuses for and even celebrated the murder of innocent people. The article criticizes the pro-massacre sentiment displayed at a "Pro-Palestine" rally in Times Square, where participants waved signs praising the Hamas terrorists responsible for the attacks. The author questions why some people find it difficult to condemn such acts when the victims are Jews, and calls out politicians like Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar for their questionable responses. The article also exposes radical views expressed by individuals, including professors and students, who have shown support for violence and terrorism.
New York City's Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) chapter is facing backlash after promoting a pro-Palestine rally in Times Square. While the DSA leadership clarified that they did not organize the event, several lawmakers with DSA ties are distancing themselves from the rally's messaging. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized the "bigotry and callousness" expressed at the rally, emphasizing the need to reject both Hamas' attacks and the injustices faced by Palestinians. The DSA, known for its criticism of Israel, has faced criticism in the past for its stance. New York politicians from both parties, including Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul, condemned the rally, and there may be political repercussions for elected officials endorsed by the DSA.
A pro-Palestine rally in Times Square organized by the city chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America has caused division among Democrats, with prominent party members condemning the event. While some far-left members, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jamaal Bowman, denounced the attacks and called for a ceasefire, they did not take a stand on the rally. Mainstream Democrats criticized anything less than unequivocal support for Israel, leading to tensions within the party. The rally, attended by over 1,000 pro-Palestine supporters, highlighted differences in how progressive members responded to the attacks. The event also put pressure on New York Democratic Socialists who represent a region with a large Jewish population.
