Latest news with #Basselal-Araj
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Who was Bassel al-Araj – Palestinian activist at the centre of the Columbia library protest
. Masked protesters at Columbia University stormed the school's main library building Wednesday, distributing flyers and hanging banners honouring Bassel al-Araj . The demonstrators, part of a group reportedly linked to the radical activist network Unity of Fields, renamed the reading room 'the Basel Al-Araj Popular University'. The protesters passed around pamphlets describing al-Araj as a 'militant intellectual', reported The Post. The flyers contained factual errors, including a misspelling of his name. 'Basil was an intellectual, a militant intellectual . In fact, he was so much so to the point where 'The Militant Intellectual' is always understood to refer to him specifically,' the booklet read. Who was Bassel al-Araj? Bassel al-Araj was a Palestinian activist and writer known for his involvement in anti-occupation protests . He often took part in non-violent demonstrations against Israel's separation wall and settlement expansion, according to Al Jazeera. In April 2016, the Palestinian authority arrested him and five others on charges of holding unlicensed weapons and allegedly planning attacks on Israeli targets. During their detention, al-Araj and the others staged a hunger strike, claiming they were tortured. They were released nine days later without formal charges. After his release, al-Araj went into hiding. Israeli forces tracked him down in Ramallah in March 2017 and killed him during a raid on the house where he was staying. Israel claimed he was part of a terror cell preparing attacks.
New York Post
08-05-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Masked anti-Israel agitators who stormed Columbia library handed out pamphlets lionizing alleged Palestinian terrorist Bassel al-Araj
The masked anti-Israel rabble-rousers who stormed Columbia University's library dished out flyers lionizing alleged Palestinian terrorist Bassel al-Araj as a 'militant intellectual,' The Post has learned. The pamphlets were masterminded by the notorious radical activist organization, Unity of Fields, sources told The Post. 3 Protesters take over Columbia University's library. Obtained by NY Post Advertisement 'Basil was an intellectual, a militant intellectual. In fact, he was so much so to the point where 'The Militant Intellectual' is always understood to refer to him specifically,' the booklet gushed, misspelling his name. The Palestinian activist, who Israeli officials alleged was part of a terrorist cell planning to carry out attacks on Israeli targets, was killed by Israel Defense Forces in a 2017 raid in the West Bank. During Wednesday's chaos at the Ivy League school, the mob of protesters also draped a large sign bearing the alleged terrorist's name over bookshelves. 3 Masked protesters are taken away by police. Christopher Sadowski Advertisement Unity of Fields, formerly known as Palestine Action US, is the same group behind the twisted anarchist how-to guide that started circulating among Columbia students earlier this year. That 'underground manual' offered up a step-by-step guide on how to sow chaos and destruction — including the need to buy sledgehammers with cash and consider blocking a targeted building's pipes with concrete 'for a messy surprise.' Meanwhile, roughly 80 agitators were arrested during Wednesday's disorder — as the elite school faced yet another chaotic day on its Morningside Heights campus. 3 Masked protesters are taken away by police. Christopher Sadowski Advertisement Footage obtained by The Post showed the unruly demonstrators defacing the library walls, hanging Palestinian flags and marking tables with colored tape as they chanted and beat drums. Two school safety officers were injured in the ordeal, sources said.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Dozens of protesters arrested after storming Columbia Univ. library
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways The Brief Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters stormed Columbia University's Butler Library, interrupting students studying for exams and declaring the library a "liberated zone." Columbia University's Public Safety Team responded by asking protesters for identification and warning of possible arrests for non-compliance, while condemning the disruption of academic activities. The NYPD began making arrests by the evening after the University said the protesters had created a safety hazard. NEW YORK - The NYPD has begun making arrests after at least 100 apparent pro-Palestinian protesters stormed Columbia University's Butler Library, disrupting students preparing for exams. "Due to the number of individuals participating in the disruption inside and outside of the building, a large group of people attempting to force their way into Butler Library creating a safety hazard, and what we believe to be the significant presence of individuals not affiliated with the University, Columbia has taken the necessary step of requesting the presence of NYPD to assist in securing the building and the safety of our community," the University said in a statement. Video from SkyFOX showed dozens of demonstrators filing into the library late afternoon, Some filmed the scene with their phones, and at one moment, the group was seen clapping. What we know According to the New York Post, video footage shows the activists pushing past a security guard at the library's entrance. Once inside, they displayed large signs, including one declaring the library a "liberated zone" and another with the name of Bassel al-Araj, a Palestinian activist killed in 2017, though his name was misspelled. Columbia University's Public Safety Team responded to the disruption in reading room 301 of Butler Library, asking individuals for identification and requesting them to disperse, according to the university. What we don't know The identities of the protesters remain unknown, as none have complied with requests for identification or departure. The university has warned that failure to comply could result in violations of rules and possible arrest. What they're saying Columbia University officials have condemned the disruption, stating it is unacceptable for individuals to interfere with academic activities. In a statement, Mayor Eric Adams said: "At the written request of Columbia University, the NYPD is entering the campus to remove individuals who are trespassing." "As I've said repeatedly, New York City will always defend the right to peaceful protest, but we will never tolerate lawlessness. To our Jewish New Yorkers, especially the students at Columbia who feel threatened or unsafe attending class because of these events; know that your mayor stands with you and will always work to keep you safe," Adams said. "While this is isolated to one room in the library, it is completely unacceptable that some individuals are choosing to disrupt academic activities as our students are studying and preparing for final exams. These disruptions of our campus and academic activities will not be tolerated. Individuals found to be in violation of University Rules and policies will face disciplinary consequences. We ask our community members to please avoid the immediate area near Butler Library in the near term," officials said in a statement. The backstory Columbia University is facing financial challenges following President Donald Trump's decision to cancel $400 million in funding due to the university's handling of student protests against the war in Gaza. This has led to nearly 180 staff layoffs, representing about 20% of those funded by the terminated federal grants, according to the Associated Press. The university is working with the Trump administration to restore funding, while also managing budget constraints. The Source This article uses information from the New York Post and Associated Press along with a Columbia University statement.
India Today
07-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Masked anti-Israel protesters storm Columbia Library, disrupt final exams
Dozens of masked anti-Israel protesters stormed Columbia University's Butler Library on Wednesday, escalating tensions on a campus already marked by months of unrest tied to the Israel-Gaza conflict. The intrusion, which occurred as students were deep in final exam preparations, has reignited concerns over campus safety. According to the New York Post, social media footage circulating widely shows protestors forcefully pushing past a security guard at the library's entrance. The guard attempted to prevent their entry but was swiftly overpowered. Once inside, the group unfurled banners declaring the space a 'liberated zone,' with another sign invoking the name of Bassel al-Araj, a Palestinian activist killed in 2017—though his name was misspelled. BREAKING: Masked terror supporters have taken over the Columbia library while students are trying to study for finals. Columbia proves once again that they prioritize complete chaos over an education. Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) May 7, 2025 Columbia University confirmed the incident in a statement late Wednesday. 'While this is isolated to one room in the library, it is completely unacceptable that some individuals are choosing to disrupt academic activities as our students are studying and preparing for final exams,' officials said. 'These disruptions of our campus and academic activities will not be tolerated. Individuals found to be in violation of University Rules and policies will face disciplinary consequences.' The university's Public Safety team responded quickly, entering Reading Room 301 of Butler Library and asking protestors to identify themselves and vacate the premises. However, as of Wednesday night, the identities of those involved remain unknown, with all refusing to comply. NYPD drone above @Columbia University after protesters take over part of Butler Library on from Columbia: ' it is completely unacceptable that some individuals are choosing to disrupt academic activities as our students are studying and preparing for Linda Schmidt (@LSchmidtFox5) May 7, 2025 The administration has urged the campus community to avoid the immediate area around Butler Library, citing safety concerns and the need to preserve an environment conducive to academics. Columbia was the epicenter of US student demonstrations last spring, when pro-Palestinian activists erected a large encampment and temporarily seized Hamilton Hall, leading to dozens of arrests and sparking copycat actions at campuses across the country. ALSO READ: Jawan dies in Pak shelling along LoC in J&K after India's strike on terror camps In March, the Trump administration pulled the funding over what it described as the Ivy League school's failure to squelch antisemitism on campus during the Israel-Hamas war that began in October 2023. Meanwhile, Columbia University said on Tuesday that it will be laying off nearly 180 staffers in response to President Donald Trump's decision to cancel $400 million in funding over the Manhattan college's handling of student protests against the war in Gaza. Those receiving non-renewal or termination notices on Tuesday represent about 20% of the employees funded in some manner by the terminated federal grants, the university said in a statement Tuesday. 'We have had to make deliberate, considered decisions about the allocation of our financial resources,' the university said. 'Those decisions also impact our greatest resource, our people. We understand this news will be hard.'
New York Post
07-05-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Masked anti-Israel protesters storm Columbia library, shove past security as Ivy Leaguers prep for finals
Dozens of masked anti-Israel protesters stormed Columbia University's Butler Library as students prepared Wednesday to study for end-of-year exams. Video posted on social media shows a large group of activists shoving past a security guard at the library's front entrance, who tried in vain to stop the mob but was quickly overcome. Once inside, they draped large signs over bookshelves, one declaring the library a 'liberated zone' and another bearing the name of Bassel al-Araj, a Palestinian activist killed by Israel Defense Forces in a 2017 raid in the West Bank — though they misspelled his first name as 'Basel.' 4 Student takeover at Butler Library at Columbia. X/EYakoby Advertisement 4 Protesters storm the library at Columbia University. 4 Protesters put up Palestinian flags. 4 'Free Palestine' is written on a desk. X/edenyadegar The raucous demonstrators then donned keffiyeh headscarves, and beat drums while clapping to chants of 'free, free Palestine.' Advertisement The school has been on alert since rumors circulated late last month that protesters were planning on re-establishing the campus tent encampments that plagued the Ivy League school for much of last spring. This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
