At Columbia University, a distressing incident unfolded involving Yoseph Haddad, an Arab Israeli influencer, who reported being attacked by a masked protester during a significant anti-Israel demonstration. The incident occurred shortly before Haddad was scheduled to deliver a lecture, leading instead to him filing a police complaint. He expressed his resolve on social media, stating, "They may have drawn blood but these cowards will never stop me."
The altercation was captured on video and widely shared, including by Haddad's wife, Emily Schrader, an American-Israeli journalist. Schrader's post highlighted the violence her husband faced, noting, "This is the face of the suspect," as she acknowledged the swift response of the New York Police Department (NYPD).
Today at Columbia University, violent terror supporters assaulted my partner, @YosephHaddad — who incidentally is not Jewish but an Arab Israeli. This is the face of the suspect.
— Emily Schrader - אמילי שריידר امیلی شریدر (@emilykschrader) April 18, 2024
Big thanks to NYPD for acting swiftly and being on top of this case. Once again the free Palestine… pic.twitter.com/WXKZvde8J8
Haddad later revealed the identity of his alleged assailant, Essa Ejelat, a 31-year-old New Yorker. According to Haddad, Ejelat covered his face just before the assault and attempted to evade identification by blocking his social media, which reportedly contains anti-Israel content. Haddad has since filed a police report, with an arrest anticipated soon.
The broader context of the incident includes a massive anti-Israel protest at Columbia, which prompted university President Minouche Shafik to call in the NYPD to disperse the demonstrators and dismantle an encampment. Over 100 protestors were arrested, facing charges including trespassing and obstruction of governmental administration.
Pro-Hamas domestic terrorists @Columbia having a meltdown screaming “WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME???” as #NYPD carts them off . Always the victims. pic.twitter.com/UE1VFQrOUH
— Michal/Michele -מיכל✡️ 🟦 (@MichalSabra) April 18, 2024
The police response was substantial, with officers in riot gear mobilizing to secure the campus. This led to scenes of confrontation as some demonstrators tried to block police vehicles. Amid these tensions, an anonymous student expressed support for the police action, citing safety concerns and the disruption of campus life.
Among those arrested was Somali-American Congresswoman, Ilhan Omar's daughter who has been an active member of the anti-Israel/anti-Jewish movement at the all Women's Barnard College at Columbia University. Ilhan Omar has been a vacal supporter of Hamas within the congress, without explicitly endorsing their October 7th attack, she has often referred to the action as "resistance to oppression".
BREAKING: Ilhan Omar's daughter, Isra Hirsi, appears to have been arrested at Columbia University after being suspended from her college for refusing to leave the anti-Israel encampment.
— Kassy Akiva (@KassyDillon) April 18, 2024
My latest for @realdailywire: https://t.co/es2zTdaeYy pic.twitter.com/BLbZFnP6na
Mayor Eric Adams addressed the situation, emphasizing the right to free speech but condemning actions that disrupt educational activities and promote hate. President Shafik, in communication with the NYPD, expressed regret over the necessity of police intervention but justified it as a response to the violation of university policies and the refusal of protestors to engage in dialogue.
The incident at Columbia is a stark reminder of the intense emotions and complex dynamics surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the challenges of managing protest and discourse on university campuses.
