Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) has spoken out against anti-Israel protesters who have set up encampments on various college and university campuses in recent days. He defended the right to protest but criticized those who were camped out in tents at places like Columbia University and Harvard University.
These protesters are calling for a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, divestment from Israeli companies, an end to study abroad programs in Israel, and a halt to US arms sales to Israel. Fetterman stated that while protesting is a fundamental American value, living in a tent for Hamas is not productive.
The anti-Israel encampments have spread to several other campuses, including Northwestern University, UCLA, Harvard, George Washington University, UNC, and the University of Pennsylvania. These protests stem from an initial encampment at Columbia University and have resulted in suspensions, arrests, and even canceled graduation ceremonies.
Fetterman also pointed out the presence of antisemitism in these protests and referenced disturbing comments made by one of the leaders at Columbia University. He highlighted a significant increase in antisemitic incidents in the US following Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023.
Since that attack, Fetterman has been a vocal defender of Israel and has condemned anti-Israel protesters for their actions.
