In a significant police operation at Columbia University and the City College of New York, 282 individuals were arrested amid protests related to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Among those arrested was Dr. Fernando Bobis, a 42-year-old internal medicine doctor based in Washington Heights, known for his involvement in anti-Israel protests.
The protests, which saw participants from both inside and outside the student community, escalated into a major police incident with officers raiding encampments set up at both Manhattan schools. Dr. Bobis, who was arrested at the City College of New York, expressed concerns about his treatment during the arrest, highlighting that he spent over five hours in a holding cell without access to basic necessities, complicating his ability to manage his Type 1 diabetes.
Another notable figure arrested during the protests was Jesse Pape, 47, a well-known activist within the anti-Israel movement. Pape, who has a history of arrests related to similar protests, faced charges of assault during the latest demonstrations. The police accused him of throwing a water bottle at an officer, which added to the night’s chaos.
The arrests took place after what officials described as a “life-threatening assault” on the university campuses, leading to a robust police response. The situation at Columbia was particularly tense, with protesters barricading themselves inside an academic building and others camping out on the South Lawn.
Local authorities, including Mayor Eric Adams, attributed the intensity of the protests to the influence of “outside agitators.” This sentiment was echoed by the police and university officials, who have faced criticism for their handling of the event. The Jewish Federation Los Angeles condemned the actions of the counter-protesters and criticized the university administration for failing to prevent the escalation.
In the aftermath of the police raid, the university landscape was marked by a sense of urgency and tension, with many calling for a reassessment of how protests are managed on campus. The events have sparked a broader debate about the intersection of campus policy, student activism, and community safety.
This incident is a continuation of a series of protests that have swept across various university campuses in New York, reflecting the deep divisions and strong opinions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict. The implications of these events are still unfolding, as community leaders, students, and activists debate the path forward in addressing these contentious and deeply personal issues.