America is torn apart over the war in Gaza and the campus of Columbia University, north of Manhattan, New York, has become the epicenter of the battle. Political leaders from the federal capital Washington are invited there in the middle of the electoral campaign. The conflict could be devastating for Joe Biden, alienating both part of the youth and part of the Jewish vote.
Thus, the Republican speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, went, Wednesday, April 24, in front of the library of the prestigious university, just opposite the tents installed by pro-Palestinian students who denounce American support for Israel and the brutality of the war in Gaza. “Go back to class and stop this nonsensehe demanded, condemning anti-Israeli or anti-Semitic remarks. These are words we expect from Iranian ayatollahs, not American lawmakers and students. »
After meeting with Jewish students saying they were harassed or threatened, the speaker of the House called for the resignation of the president of the university, Nemat Shafik, an economist of Egyptian origin, who took office in the summer of 2023 . “We cannot allow this type of hatred. Those who commit this violence must be arrested. » He also said he would call President Joe Biden after his visit. “There will be a time to call in the National Guard”, warned Mr. Johnson, who is rebuilding his political virginity by crossing swords with the left on campuses. The latter being strongly criticized by the ultras in his camp for having passed the financial aid package to Israel and Ukraine, and is under threat of dismissal.
During his speech, students chanted “Liberate Palestine”another shouted “ Genocide “. ” What are you going to do ? Stop us? Stop us! », threw yet another at him. The invocation of the national guard earned him boos. The university had to deny considering this appeal, as did the governor of New York State, Democrat Kathy Hochul.
Police in Columbia
In this crisis, Mme Shafik is caught in a vice. She is relentlessly attacked by the Republicans, but broke trust with the students and a large part of the teaching staff by calling on the New York police to dislodge, on Thursday, the tents installed by the pro-Palestinian collective. This was a first since 1996, reminiscent of police interventions in 1968, in the midst of protests over the war in Vietnam. Classes have been suspended and are now held by videoconference, due to security risks.
You have 60.52% of this article left to read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.
