DENVER — Thursday marks one week of pro-Palestinian protests on the Auraria campus. The campus has allowed the camp to stay for now. Police tried to clear it last Friday and arrested 40 people, but the protesters returned. Since then, it's been a stalemate.
The protests are popping up on more campuses around Colorado. Protesters at the University of Colorado Boulder held a die-in on campus Wednesday afternoon at the University Memorial Center. There was a small group of counterprotesters there, as well.
Students at the University of Denver took part in the growing movement on Tuesday, rallying and chanting on campus. But some DU students told 9NEWS they don’t feel safe on campus anymore.
“I never thought that I would have to live through what my great-grandparents had to live through,” said DU freshman Jaiden Skinner. “It feels like I am being persecuted against my religion, once again. I shouldn’t have to be afraid to wear my star. I should feel proud to be a Jew. I should not have to walk on campus and have people say, ‘Go back to Nazi Germany.’ That’s not okay.”
Max Jacoby is worried for his safety after an anonymous social media post was made about him following a protest on DU’s campus Tuesday.
“Someone took a picture of me at the protest with my Israel flag and they said, ‘F*** Zionists,’” said Jacoby. “So now my face is on there with that. Who knows who agrees? Now some person knows where I live.”
“It is scary on campus for Jewish students,” said Daniel Bennett, Hillel of Colorado’s executive director. “I sat around this table with the University of Denver Hillel student board, and their discussion was should I wear my yamaka? Should I wear my Jewish star?”
Bennett believes the student demonstrators are caught up in activism without fully understanding the words they’re chanting. He said they are misinformed.
“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” was one of many chants Skinner and Jacoby heard during Tuesday’s protest at DU. According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), it is an antisemitic slogan commonly featured in anti-Israel campaigns. “This rallying cry has long been used by anti-Israel voices, including supporters of terrorist organizations such as Hamas and the PFLP (Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine), which seek Israel’s destruction through violent means.”
Hillel of Colorado has a facility next to DU’s campus. Bennett said it is a safe space for Jewish students and their allies.
“Our students are proud Jews, and they will fly their Israel flag whether there is a right or a left-wing government in Israel just like I would in this country put up an American flag whether there is a right or a left-wing government,” said Bennett.
Jacoby said he still walks with his head high, but now it is on a constant swivel. “There’s no relaxed walking anymore.”
“I won’t live in fear,” said Skinner. “Enough is enough. We’re tired. We’re exhausted. We’re here because we want an education. We’re not here to fight for our rights as Jewish students on campus.”
In response to these concerns, the University of Denver sent 9NEWS this statement:
Yes, we have had a few protests, and they have been largely peaceful. The University is committed to fostering an environment where students feel welcome. Our dedicated campus safety team has increased their efforts - such as providing additional patrols - and many students have extended their appreciation for these added measures.
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