**Columbia University Students Hold Vigils Amid Israeli-Palestinian Tensions**

At Columbia University, tensions flared on Monday as students held somber vigils and adjacent rallies, marking the anniversary of last year's attack on Israel by Hamas and the subsequent ongoing conflict in Gaza. The emotionally charged atmosphere was palpable as students and their supporters expressed their grief and anger.

Outside the university gates, around 100 members of the Jewish community gathered, waving Israeli flags and displaying posters with the faces of those kidnapped by Hamas. Meanwhile, on the steps of Low Library at the heart of the campus, pro-Israel students delivered speeches memorializing individuals who lost their lives at the Nova Music Festival a year ago.

Concurrently, students advocating for Palestinians chanted "Free, free Palestine" and carried flags and posters with messages such as "Free Gaza, Free Speech" and "Join us Alumni." These students had walked out of their classes to show their solidarity.

Tensions at Columbia University have been high following the attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7th last year. The university, along with its affiliate Barnard College, has introduced new security measures to manage protests linked to the Mideast conflict. These measures include locking campus gates and requiring identification for entry. While the current school year has seen a relatively calmer atmosphere, underlying tensions remain significant among the student body and faculty.

Protests at the university have been diverse, ranging from vocal demonstrations to silent vigils. Since last week, Columbia University Apartheid Divest, a pro-Palestinian group, has been conducting a somber vigil on the steps of Low Library. Unlike previous protests characterized by chanting and marching, this vigil has been marked by silence, with students reciting the names of those killed in Gaza.

A memorial was briefly set up at the base of the campus's Alma Mater statue, featuring pictures of the deceased, Palestinian flags, and a memorial garden. However, the university dismantled the memorial and erected barricades in its place, with security officers now stationed nearby.

The events at Columbia University highlight the deep emotional and political divisions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as students continue to engage in demonstrations reflecting their respective perspectives.