UB students react to tensions on campus amid Israel-Hamas war

AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) – Happening right now on college campuses across the country, pro-Palestinian students are setting up encampments in response to the war in Gaza, and some of those demonstrations have become violent.

It’s all an effort to meet specific demands from protesters such as a ceasefire.

On the campus of UB North, there’s a bull statue that is oftentimes painted by students. Right now, the message says “I love being Jewish,” but according to students on campus the heart in the middle of that bull was actually broken and it happened within the last few days.

This has been a tense situation on the campus of UB North in terms of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas; there was a rally that was held two days ago on the campus by a student group that is pro-Palestinian calling for a ceasefire and for SUNY to divest any interest that they may have with Israel.

Since the war began in October, demonstrations have broken out on both sides of the conflict here on campus. News 4 heard from some students that there’s also been acts of intimidation, prejudice and misinformation.

The latest rally on the campus of UB North was Wednesday. Pro-Palestinian students say this is their final protest of the semester and they’re calling for a resolution and the continued efforts of trying to get a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. They are also calling for SUNY schools to divest any interests that they may have in Israel.

“I think on campuses overall across America, it’s changed for the worse and here it’s been comparably less so, there haven’t been encampments opened up there hasn’t been overt, physical actions, but there is hate,” Jacob Landerer, a UB senior said.

Across the country, pro-Palestinian protests and encampments have broken out at campuses from the University of Southern California to Columbia University, some of those protests also getting violent and arrests being made nothing like what has played out here on the campus of UB North.

News 4 heard from some students what they’re worried about as the school semester comes to an end, worried about emotions boiling over into the summer months and perhaps into next school year.

A Jewish student group plans on having a rally here on May 6 to protest for a ceasefire and calling for peace in the Gaza Strip.

Statement from the University at Buffalo:

“The university recognizes and respects students’ right to peacefully protest. It is our expectation that protests occur lawfully in public spaces, and that protestors must not violate the rules for maintenance of public order.

As members of the UB community respond and react to the turmoil in the Middle East, it is important to reiterate that the university is committed to always ensuring a safe, welcoming, inclusive and respectful environment where all students, faculty, staff and visitors are free to discuss issues related to the war without fear of violence, harassment or intimidation.

UB stands ready to assist any member of the university who feels threatened, unsafe or impacted by discriminatory actions.

We have met regularly with individual students and student groups impacted by the war and the protests. We will continue to be available to any students who need support.

We state in the strongest possible manner that UB condemns and stands firmly against antisemitism, Islamophobia and discrimination of any form.  Anti-Semitic or anti-Muslim harassment, or other harassing conduct targeting any individuals or groups, have no place in our community. UB strongly denounces this kind of harmful behavior.”

Jeff Preval is an award-winning anchor and reporter who joined the News 4 team in December 2021. See more of his work here.

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