For months, the Jewish community has rightfully called out antisemitism on college campuses, such as swastika graffiti and widespread attacks on visibly Jewish students. As the Muslim and pro-Palestinian community faces overt hatred and physical violence, we must call it out with the same fervor.
Last night, around 100 violent instigators attempted to storm UCLA’s Popular University for Gaza encampment, resulting in mayhem and student injury. They released fireworks and irritant gasses into the encampment. According to Daily Bruin reporting, students were beaten by poles and physically shoved into plywood reinforcements surrounding the encampment. Students within the encampment report being attacked by bear mace, stink bombs, and boiling water.
Not all instances of violence have been overt. During counter-protests earlier this week, there were disturbing incidents where protestors displayed signs with anti-Islam slurs. Additionally, the Kach flag, representing a Jewish-supremacist group designated as a terrorist organization by Israel and the United States, was flown on two separate days.
Last night’s violence was enabled by the dehumanizing rhetoric and UCLA’s inaction. No difference of opinion can justify it.
Based on social media footage, we believe that most of the agitators were non-students and were much older than the average student. Video evidence shows that police and security personnel stood by and observed the attacks for what appears to be hours. These agitators created a more hostile environment for Jewish and non-Jewish students alike.
Since October 7, Islamophobia, as well as antisemitism, has skyrocketed on campus and around the country. At UCLA, Muslim students have endured hateful language, and women have had their hijabs ripped off. Six-year-old Wadea Al-Fayoume was stabbed 26 times in a blatant hate crime in Illinois. Despite this, there has yet to be a congressional hearing on the subject of increased Islamophobia. UCLA has yet to explicitly acknowledge Islamophobia on campus. We must name, and work against this hatred.
Violent attacks against protestors only distract from the conversations that must take place if we are to make UCLA a successful community of learning and growth. UCLA must protect its students.
