Law School Student Surviving October 7 Hamas Attack, Spat on at Protest at University of Texas

Seth Greenwald, a University of Texas School of Law student set to graduate in May, recounted his experience during the Hamas attack on Israel that took place on October 7. Greenwald described being spat on and told to “go back to Poland” during a pro-Palestine demonstration on campus. He shared his story of seeking shelter as rockets were launched by Hamas towards Israel, mentioning the stabbings that occurred near his home. Greenwald highlighted the lack of civility towards Jewish students at the university and expressed dissatisfaction with the response from Anti-Defamation League and other Antisemitic organizations to demonstrations on college campuses. Despite tensions between Palestinian supporters and pro-Israel counter-protesters, interactions between the groups and campus law enforcement were more subdued on subsequent days. Pro-Palestine demonstrators gathered on campus, waving flags and carrying signs, while others posted messages near the George Washington statue.