Jewish Students Protest University Actions Against Sukkot in October 2024
- Multiple Jewish-led organizations across U.S. college campuses protested during the Jewish holiday, Sukkot, advocating for divestment from Israel.
- These protests were met with resistance from university administrations, which led to the destruction of sukkah structures and harassment of participating students.
- Such actions by the universities have sparked outrage among students, prompting calls for accountability and highlighting the struggle of Jewish students advocating for Palestinian solidarity.
During Sukkot, Jewish students at various U.S. universities engaged in protests advocating for Palestinian rights and divestment from Israel. This year's observance took on heightened significance as these students sought to express solidarity with Palestinians affected by violence and displacement. However, demonstrations faced significant opposition from university administrations. Notably, at Northwestern University, students witnessed their Gaza solidarity sukkah being demolished by campus authorities, which caused a severe backlash from the student body. Additionally, Brown University implemented a controversial rule limiting students' access to their sukkah, even during nighttime hours. This rule was perceived as retaliation against pro-Palestinian activism on campus and sparked disciplinary actions against seventeen students. Reports indicated that students felt unsafe as university administrators allowed anti-protesters to harass them during their activities. The destruction of sukkahs and the treatment of demonstrating students prompted wide condemnation from Jewish Voice for Peace and other organizations. Many argued that the universities' actions undermined Jewish religious practices by dismissing the connection between Jewish identity and solidarity with Palestinians. This conflict not only reflects tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian issue but also brings to light larger questions regarding free speech on campuses and the broader implications for student activism across the nation.