Anti-Israel Protests on College Campuses: Outlandish Comments and Confrontations

As college campuses nationwide have witnessed a surge in anti-Israel encampments, rallies, and protests, law enforcement has encountered a range of eyebrow-raising comments and moments. From students casting doubt on violence to protesters seeking a "giant progressive wishlist," here are some of the more notable incidents that have unfolded amidst the campus unrest.

In recent weeks, college campuses across the nation have become a scene of escalating anti-Israel activism, with protests, encampments, and rallies capturing headlines and sparking controversy. As law enforcement attempts to restore order on campuses, Fox News Digital reporters have fanned across the country to document firsthand the often-outlandish comments and confrontations that have emerged from these demonstrations.

An Emory University senior sparked outrage with their comments questioning the violence that erupted on Oct. 7 during an anti-Israel protest. "This didn't start on Oct. 7," the student said. "I respect that if there was violence done, I'm sorry for that, but I also want people to understand that this started before even 1948 and that the Palestinian people have been experiencing a genocide for a long time."

At the University of Chicago, protesters presented a sweeping list of demands that extended far beyond the issue of Israel. "The UChicago Popular University For Gaza demands that U Chicago divest from the Gaza genocide," a protester declared. "We also demand that U Chicago divest from all interrelated forces of death and violence into which it is currently complicit, especially fossil fuel production, UCPD and construction projects that fuel South Side displacement."

A Columbia University graduate student drew mockery online after suggesting that protesters might die without food delivery. "If the answer is no, then you should allow basic — I mean, it's crazy to say since we're on an Ivy League campus — but this is like, basic humanitarian aid we're asking for, like could people please have a glass of water?" she said.

Portland State University was forced to close its campus after anti-Israel protesters occupied and vandalized the library. The protesters painted graffiti and damaged property, prompting the university to cancel classes and close campus buildings.

In a video posted by former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a young woman at a New York University protest struggled to answer when asked the "goal" of the demonstration. "I think the goal is just showing our support for Palestine and demanding that NYU stops — I honestly don't know all of what NYU is doing," she said, turning to another protester for clarification.

A student at UCLA wearing a necklace with the Star of David was blocked from entering a campus area by masked anti-Israel protesters. In a video posted on Instagram, the student, Eli Tsives, expressed frustration at being denied access to the area, saying, "This is what they do. Everybody, look at this. Look at this. I'm a UCLA student. I deserve to go here."

These are just a few examples of the outlandish comments and confrontations that have emerged from anti-Israel protests on college campuses. As law enforcement continues to address the unrest and protesters voice their demands, it remains to be seen how campus life will be impacted by these ongoing demonstrations.