The echoes of history are reverberating across college campuses in the United States as students rally against Israel’s attacks in Gaza, drawing comparisons to the anti-war movement during the Vietnam War era.
The recent campus protests, sparked by Israel’s assault on Gaza following an attack by Hamas militants, have seen students at dozens of schools demanding institutions cut ties with companies supporting the war. Over 2,000 protesters have been arrested as tensions escalate.
The shifting public opinion on the conflict is evident, with support for Israel’s military assault dropping from 50% to 36% in recent months. President Joe Biden, who signed legislation providing $14 billion in aid to Israel, is facing criticism for his handling of the crisis.
Senator Bernie Sanders has drawn parallels to Vietnam, warning that Biden risks alienating young voters and the Democratic base with his stance on the conflict. The generational divide within the party is becoming more pronounced, with Democratic strategist James Carville cautioning that the protests could divide the party and benefit Republican Donald Trump.
As the Democratic National Convention in Chicago approaches, tensions are expected to rise further. Governor J.B. Pritzker and law enforcement agencies are preparing for potential protests, reminiscent of the raucous 1968 convention that took place amid a nation divided by war and social upheaval.
The stage is set for a showdown between the old guard and the new generation of activists, as the legacy of past movements influences the present political landscape.