Sanders expresses solidarity with pro-Palestinian protests while denouncing bigotry

Sen. Bernie Sanders voiced his support for protests against Israel’s war in Gaza, emphasizing the need to condemn all forms of bigotry, including antisemitism and Islamophobia. In an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash on “State of the Union,” Sanders criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling them unprecedented and warning of the possibility of mass starvation and famine.

The senator’s comments come amidst a wave of pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses across the United States. Tensions have escalated following Hamas’ attack on Israel, resulting in a retaliatory assault that has claimed thousands of lives. Reports of antisemitic acts and Islamophobia have surged on campuses, prompting university leaders to grapple with the balance between free speech and threatening behavior.

Sanders, who is Jewish and has personal ties to the Holocaust, condemned antisemitism as a vile form of bigotry that has resulted in the deaths of millions. Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy also expressed support for campus protests, emphasizing the importance of protecting the right to peacefully protest.

However, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell cautioned against protests that impede the efficient operation of campuses, urging university presidents to maintain control and push back against antisemitism. The responses to Israel-Hamas war protests reflect a broader global debate over the US role in the conflict, as well as political maneuvering ahead of elections.

The surge in reliance on police to quell protests has raised concerns about officials’ willingness to engage with student demands, which often include divesting from companies supporting Israel or profiting from the war. The ongoing debate underscores the complex intersection of politics, free speech, and social justice on college campuses.