Gaza Anti-War Demonstrations: Do Not Dismiss Anger of Youth

Student anti-war demonstrations at U.S. colleges are spreading; over 2,000 people have been arrested.

Israel’s indiscriminate attacks against the Palestinian Gaza territory, which has been blockaded and left with no escape routes, have not ceased. According to Gazan health officials, as of now, over 35,000 people have died. The large number of victims is appalling.

There are many people who sympathize with the college students who are calling to “end genocide now.” Protest activities against Israel have spread around the world, including France, the U.K., and Australia. In Kobe as well, people on the street are protesting against the war. In all these cases, young people are the core protesters.

The strong protests are also aimed at the international community, which is unable to stop the fighting. This issue must be handled seriously. The Israeli military is said to be amassing troops for a full-blown invasion of Rafah in the southern-most region of Gaza. The governments of the U.S. and other countries, including Japan, should devote their full energy to an immediate ceasefire.

In mid-April at Columbia University, protest tents on school grounds styled as the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” kicked off the protests, which have since spread across the U.S. The protesters said “no” to U.S. President Biden’s administration, which has been urging a ceasefire while still not changing its protective stance towards Israel.

We cannot ignore the simplistic viewpoint that such actions are “anti-Semitic” prejudice toward Jewish people. Although it is appropriate not to tolerate discrimination, labeling students who are conscientiously seeking a ceasefire will only stir up antagonism.

One principle that the students are touting is “divestment,” the removal of investment funds. Many U.S. universities utilize contributions from alumni and others for their operating costs. Thus, the students are demanding that the universities cease investing in companies that are connected to Israel.

According to U.S. media, Northwestern University reached an agreement with students to make an effort at collecting information before making investments, leading the students to remove their tents. How can a resolution be reached through dialogue, without relying on political power? The universities’ stance toward democracy is also being called into question.

Speaking about the university demonstrations, Biden said that “violent protest is not protected; peaceful protest is.” It is expected that many students believe they are being pushed aside. In the presidential election in the fall, a loss of support from youth might be a threat for an administration that is aiming for reelection.

There seems to be a sense of impending crisis in such a state of affairs. Biden has admonished Israel that he will “not [be] supplying the weapons” if Israel invades Rafah. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken remarked that the Gaza invasion is “inconsistent with its international law obligations.”

The U.S. also bears responsibility for the terrible scene in Gaza. It ought to immediately cease its military support for Israel, which has not retreated from its stubborn position, and strengthen its political pressure.