NEW YORK -- The ongoing demonstrations at Columbia University regarding the conflict between Israel and Hamas have entered their fifth consecutive day, raising safety concerns among some students on campus.
Since the protests began last Wednesday in Upper Manhattan, over 100 individuals have been taken into custody in connection with demonstrations both on and near the university grounds.
Pro-Palestinian activists have voiced dissatisfaction with Columbia's handling of the situation and have urged the institution to disinvest from Israel.
On Saturday, a significant number of demonstrators congregated outside the university's entrance, while student protesters reconvened on the main campus lawn. Four additional individuals were apprehended and subsequently released with summonses, as reported by the NYPD.
The previous day, protesters were seen resting in sleeping bags and on mats, surrounded by banners and Palestinian flags.
Students from various other universities, such as Boston University, Harvard University, and Ohio State University, have expressed solidarity with Columbia students by organizing rallies of their own.
Meanwhile, in Washington, the House approved a $95 billion foreign aid package on Saturday, which includes allocations for Israel and humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
Antisemitism and safety concerns
The start of the protests coincided with Columbia University President Minouche Shafik's testimony on antisemitism on college campuses before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
The hearing lasted several hours and many Columbia students watched to see Shafik's commitment to their safety.
On Sunday morning, Rep. Elise Stefanik called on Shafik to resign.
"While Columbia's failed leadership spent hundreds of hours preparing for this week's Congressional hearing, it clearly was an attempt to cover up for their abject failure to enforce their own campus rules and protect Jewish students on campus," Stefanik said on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Over the past few months and especially the last 24 hours, Columbia's leadership has clearly lost control of its campus putting Jewish students' safety at risk. It is crystal clear that Columbia University -- previously a beacon of academic excellence founded by Alexander Hamilton -- needs new leadership. President Shafik must immediately resign. And the Columbia Board must appoint a President who will protect Jewish students and enforce school policies."
In a series of posts on X, New York City Mayor Eric Adams talked about the NYPD's role during the ongoing demonstrations.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul utilized social media to emphasize the importance of peaceful assembly, while also making it clear that threats of violence against Jewish students will not be accepted.
"The First Amendment guarantees the right to protest, but students also deserve to study in an environment that is free from harassment or violence. Whether at Columbia University or any other campus, making threats of violence against Jewish students or glorifying the events of Oct. 7 is a form of antisemitism," stated Hochul.
The White House also issued a statement condemning antisemitism.
"While every American has the right to engage in peaceful protests, advocating for violence and physical intimidation against Jewish students and the Jewish community is clearly antisemitic, unacceptable, and perilous. Such actions have no place on college campuses or anywhere in the United States. Echoing the language of terrorist groups, particularly following the most devastating attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust, is abhorrent. We strongly denounce these statements," expressed Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates.
Protesters occupy Columbia's South Lawn
Demonstrators started occupying the South Lawn on the Columbia campus Wednesday. They constructed a makeshift encampment of tents, which led to a standoff with university leadership and dozens of arrests.
The NYPD took more than 100 people at the encampment into custody Thursday after Shafik said it violated safety policies. CBS New York has learned three more were detained on Saturday night.
Students were warned to leave the encampment by Wednesday night or they would be suspended.
Some Jewish students said with Passover beginning Monday night, they feel unsafe.
Students inside of the encampment on the actual campus said the pro-Palestinian demonstrators that were heard outside the gates of the school were not student affiliated.
In the quad on campus, students were camping out in tents, socializing, and chanting things like "Resistance is glorious."
Columbia said in a statement, "Students do not have permission to set up tents on the lawn. Those who do are in violation of long-standing University policy and will be identified and subjected to disciplinary action."
Rabbi tells Jewish students to stay home amid the protests
Jewish students on campus said they've been living in constant fear for the last five days, as they believe many of the chants are antisemitic.
Amid the ongoing protests on campus, a rabbi associated with Columbia's Orthodox Union Jewish Learning Initiative on campus has advised Jewish students to stay home for their safety.
However, Campus Hillel released a statement with a different perspective, stating that they do not believe Jewish students should leave campus. They emphasized the need for the university and the city to take more measures to ensure the safety of all students.
Another rabbi, Yehuda Drizin from the university's Chabad, took a different approach by delivering matzah to students observing Passover. He expressed his support, saying, "This is a challenging time for them, and they should not have to go through this. Despite the chaos, I see the students showing resilience and courage by participating in the Seder and affirming their strength and pride."
One student named Sarah, who was actively participating in the protests, highlighted the demand for financial transparency. She emphasized the importance of schools, including state schools, providing transparency about their ethical investments and financial decisions.
