Columbia University Investigates Disruption of Israeli History Class by Masked Protesters

Protesters distributed antisemitic flyers and disrupted a lecture, prompting university condemnation and heightened security measures.

Masked demonstrators entered a History of Modern Israel class at Columbia University, distributing flyers with violent imagery and antisemitic messages, including calls to 'Burn Zionism to the Ground.'
The disruption occurred on the first day of the spring semester and targeted a course taught by visiting Israeli historian Avi Shilon, who emphasized the class's balanced approach to Israeli and Palestinian narratives.
Columbia's interim president, Katrina Armstrong, condemned the incident as a violation of academic freedom and university policies, pledging a swift investigation and disciplinary action against those responsible.
In response, the university has increased security, including posting guards outside Jewish and Israel-related courses, and introduced measures like ID badge requirements for building access.
The incident reflects ongoing tensions on campus, with Columbia previously criticized for its handling of antisemitism and anti-Israel protests, including last year's controversial Gaza Solidarity Encampment.