The conflict between Israel and Palestine, dates back to the end of the nineteenth century. It is primarily over territory and has included wars, up- rising and peace agreements. Currently, there is chaos across our Colleges and University Campuses, with students protesting the treatment of the people in Palestine. This is due to Israel’s response to the un-provoked and evil terrorist attack on the un- armed innocent people of Israel, by the terrorist group known as Hamas.
With chants of, “from the river to the sea,” and “ October 7 th times a thousand,” we are bearing witness to, ignorance, aggression, and intimidation, by protestors toward their Jewish classmates. How did we get here ? Hitler used antisemitism in Nazi ideology, calling for the extermination of the Jewish people. And, here we are in 2024, watching students at some of our most prestigious universities yelling, “ from the river to the sea,” has history taught us nothing? Perhaps that is the problem, our children are not being educated, they are becoming indoctrinated by the ideology of the progressive, liberal left, also known as the Democratic Party. Every politician who stays quiet, as protesters intimidate, harass, and physically assault other students, should step down from their positions. Any university or college President who fails to maintain law and order on their campus, keeping all students safe, should be fired. Any faculty participating in these less than peaceful protests, should be fired, and any student participating in the damaging of school property, or harassment of other students, should be expelled and arrested.
When you hear people say they stand with Israel, after the attack on October 7, you are saying you stand for peace, and civility and human rights. You stand against, terrorism and crimes against humanity. You are not saying that the life of an Israeli, is more valuable than the life of Palestinian, no, absolutely not. You are taking a stand against terrorism, period. That should be something all of us take a stand against, regardless where we live in this world. The atrocities that took place on October 7, are unimaginable. There should be zero tolerance for terrorism. We recognize that there has been death and destruction, unfortunately on both sides, when it comes to the on-going conflict between Israel and Palestine, there are no winners, when innocent people bear the consequences of failed government policies. It’s heartbreaking and it’s wrong, the human spirit is one that longs to be free, no matter where you call home, or what country you live in.
Hamas launched an attack on October 7, into Israel resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 Israeli civilians, and taking more than 240 hostages. The unspeakable acts of raping women, burning families alive, and slaughtering babies, were committed by terrorists. The same terrorist, who continue to use the residents of Gaza as human shields and prevent them from evacuating from the south. Since October 7, 34,535 Palestinians have been killed and 77, 704 wounded, and yet, on College and University campuses, we hear students, who call themselves activists and protesters, screaming, “ I am Hamas,” what is going on, and why is this hate speech allowed?
Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Facebook, recently released a documentary called, “ Screams before the Silence,” exposing Hamas’ use of sexual violence in war. In the 60 minute film, Sandberg talks to witnesses, first responders, and forensic experts, present in Gaza since the attacks on October 7. The film also includes accounts from four women who were held as hostages and sexually abused. Unfortunately, most of the victims of sexually assault by Hamas, are dead. Where is the outrage? Where are all the women’s groups calling for justice? Where are the protestors, speaking for those who have no voice ??? Do these “ students “ even know or understand what they are protesting against??? I think this documentary should be shown in every, college and university across this country. I also think, it should be shown to our high school seniors, before they graduate and embark on their next journey. The content of this documentary is uncomfortable, disturbing and may be hard for some to watch. However, sometimes we need to be uncomfortable, in order to wake up.
Enough is enough. It’s time to restore order and civility back to our institutions. We do not negotiate with students , who do not respect or follow the rules of their schools. And, we should not be sending any taxpayer money to colleges or universities who fail to keep ALL students safe. Commencement, should take place, as planned and common sense should return to campus, along with civility and respect.