In the wake of nationwide student protests at universities across the United States, Jewish students are speaking out against attempts to label the demonstrations as anti-Semitic. The protests, which initially erupted at Columbia University in support of Gaza, have gained momentum, with calls for institutions to sever ties with companies linked to Israel's war in the region. Despite inflammatory rhetoric from political figures, Jewish students argue that these protests are peaceful and inclusive.

Jonathan Ben-Menachem, a PhD student at Columbia University, has been reassuring his worried family that his safety is not in jeopardy amidst the protests. He explains that contrary to the portrayal in the media, the demonstrations consist of "nerds sitting on the ground praying, chanting, and doing homework." Jewish student organizations have actively participated in these protests, debunking claims of anti-Semitism.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and House Speaker Mike Johnson have both condemned the protests, labeling them as "anti-Semitic mobs" and "lawless agitators." However, Mr. Ben-Menachem counters these accusations, emphasizing that the discourse surrounding the protests has been distorted and lacks good faith.

These student-led protests have emerged as a response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which began with a surprise attack by Hamas that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people in Israel. The subsequent warfare has claimed the lives of over 34,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, and has caused dire humanitarian conditions, including famine in northern Gaza. The destruction of schools and universities has exacerbated the crisis.

Following Columbia University's order for the New York Police Department to dismantle a protest camp last week, more than 100 students were arrested, triggering a nationwide expansion of the movement. Comparisons have been made to the student-led protests against the Vietnam War of the 1960s, as demonstrations spread to other institutions, such as Yale, New York University, Ohio State University, Stanford University, and Berkeley.

The national attention drawn to the protests at Columbia were, in part, due to incidents of anti-Semitism captured on video near the campus. However, Mr. Ben-Menachem points out that while such incidents occurred, they were not representative of the majority of protesters. He asserts that the university's crackdown on the demonstrations, including rumors of involving the National Guard, is of greater concern.

The fear of history repeating itself with another incident akin to the killing of unarmed students at Kent State University in 1970 looms large for the protesters. Jewish student Sarah (name changed) was among those arrested and suspended for her participation in the encampment. However, she describes the experience of rejoining fellow protesters for a Passover Seder celebration as a joyful one.

Sarah vehemently denies the characterization of the protests as anti-Semitic, arguing that the term has been "weaponized" by political opportunists who conflate anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism. She highlights a tradition of Jewish anti-Zionism and emphasizes that the dissent stems from a political dispute, not a rejection of the Jewish community.

University faculty members have also expressed criticism of the crackdown on protests, accusing the administration of fostering a hostile environment and stymying meaningful debate. Nara Milanich, a professor of history at Barnard College, asserts that it was the decision to involve the NYPD that escalated tensions and curtailed discourse.

Despite attempts to vilify the protests, the demonstrators have set forth clear demands, including divestment from companies that support Israel's war in Gaza. Columbia College students voted overwhelmingly in favor of these demands, with more than 75 percent in support.

Ultimately, the students argue that the focus should be on the university's disregard for its core values and its undermining of opportunities for productive dialogue. Their fight for change continues, united in their conviction that divestment is a step towards addressing the ongoing crisis in Gaza.