Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) questioned Columbia University President Minouche Shafik during a hearing regarding the House’s antisemitism probe about the nature of the protests on campus and the involvement of Jewish students in certain on-campus organizations.
“Have you seen anti-Muslim protests on campus?” Omar asked during Wednesday's hearing.
“We have had pro-Israeli demonstrations on campus,” Shafik testified.
“No, no, no, but just a protest that was against Muslims,” Omar interjected.
“No, I have not,” Shafik said.
“Have you seen one against Arabs? Have you seen one against Palestinians?” Omar continued.
“No, I have not,” the university president replied to both questions.
“Have you seen against one — against Jewish people? Have you seen a protest saying we are against Jewish people?” the progressive congresswoman inquired.
“No. I have seen —” Shafik answered, before being cut off.
“Thank you for that clarification,” Omar responded. “There has been a rise in targeting and harassment against anti-war protesters because it's been pro-war and anti-war protesters, is what it seems like, correct?”
“Correct,” Shafik said.
“Activists on campus, including Jewish students, black and brown, Arab and Muslim students — how many of the organizations that were canceled in Columbia involved Jewish students?” the Democrat from Minnesota asked.
“One of the organizations is called Jewish Voices for Peace,” Shafik replied.
“Yes, and encompassed of Jewish students?” Omar questioned.
“Yes,” Shafik said.
