An Arab-Israeli journalist, Yoseph Haddad, was physically assaulted by anti-Israel agitators prior to a lecture he was scheduled to deliver at Columbia University last Thursday. Haddad, a journalist and Israel Defense Forces veteran, had been invited by a pro-Israel student group to speak on campus about the collaboration between Arabs and Jews in Israel. However, upon his arrival, he was met with a hostile environment as anti-Israel protests were ongoing at the university.
Agitators at the scene were reportedly chanting slogans like 'intifada' and 'from the river to the sea,' which prompted Haddad to engage with them. He explained the true implications of the term 'intifada,' highlighting that it signifies not just a violent uprising but also symbolizes the moral degradation of both Jews and Arabs.
Expressing his concerns, Haddad questioned the group on their support for terrorism, leading to a confrontation where the agitators directed death threats and antisemitic remarks towards him, despite his non-Jewish background.
The incident sheds light on the escalating tensions surrounding discussions on Israel and Palestine, particularly within academic settings. Haddad's experience underscores the challenges faced by individuals advocating for dialogue and understanding in the midst of polarizing viewpoints.
