The Anti-Defamation League is warning college campuses about anti-Israel protests the week of Oct. 7, the one-year anniversary of the Hamas’ terror attack on Israel.
A letter from the ADL was issued to university administrators nationwide on Sept. 16, urging them to prepare for protests, mock checkpoints, and other disruptions by anti-Israel student groups.
“We unfortunately predict that things will only get worse. The coming anniversary of the Oct. 7 attack, especially on the heels of the murder of six hostages, will likely motivate many on campus to gather in community to mourn and mark the solemn anniversary. At the same time, we know that preparations have already been made by anti-Israel student groups to stage large-scale protests and/or invite highly controversial speakers to campus on that day,” the letter states.
Groups including Students for Socialism and National Students for Justice in Palestine have been planning activities and posting on social media. “Oct. 5 is the universal call to action,” according to Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) at the University of Georgia in Athens.
Students for Socialism at UGA is encouraging students, staff, and faculty to walk out of class at noon on Oct. 7 to support Palestine. “We will be marching to demand freedom and justice for the Palestinian people in the face of an internationally recognized genocide …” the post reads.
A Sept. 12 walkout at Emory University in Atlanta led to an anti-Israel demonstration bringing more than 100 student and faculty protesters to the school’s quad.
The protest criticized the school’s new policies restricting protest activity. Protesters’ signs called for Emory to cut all ties with Israel and accused the university’s president of supporting genocide. A small group of pro-Israel demonstrators waved Israeli flags and called out “Shame!” as their classmates shouted rhetoric through megaphones.
The Emory quad was the site of protests that made national news in April, leading to the arrest of more than 20 people.
An Emory spokesperson said they do not have any information to share at this time. Georgia State University, Georgia Tech, and UGA did not respond to requests for comment.
“Kennesaw State University has established procedures and guidelines for all on-campus events, which will be enforced as they are for all activities. These protocols ensure the safety and smooth operation of events, and KSU remains committed to upholding these standards,” a university spokesperson said.
By urging campus leaders to establish plans for how and if demonstration requests will be approved for Oct. 7, the ADL’s goal is to secure ample security and collaborate with local law enforcement, according to the organization.
During the 2023-2024 academic year, the ADL recorded more than 1,400 antisemitic incidents on campuses across the nation. Statistics for hate crimes and bias incidents are generally underreported, according to the ADL.
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