CUNY Jewish students confronted by anti-Israel protesters in Midtown deli

On a Tuesday morning, Jewish students from CUNY's City College were confronted by a group of anti-Israel protesters outside Mr. Broadway Deli in Midtown South. The students were reportedly enjoying their meal when the demonstrators arrived, blocking the entrance and shouting vulgarities. Moti Zilber, the deli owner, described the scene as frightening, likening it to a hostile environment reminiscent of Germany. The protesters hurled antisemitic slogans, including 'go back to Brooklyn' and 'from the river to the sea,' targeting the students based on their identity and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The incident occurred as the students were gathering with members of Hillel International, a prominent Jewish campus organization. The NYPD was alerted around 9:30 a.m. and the protesters eventually dispersed without further incident. This confrontation is part of a broader trend of college protests in New York City related to the war in Gaza, which have intensified as the new school year begins. Columbia University has also seen similar protests, with demonstrators forming picket lines and engaging in disruptive activities. The university recently published a report addressing the rise of antisemitism on campus, highlighting the challenges faced by Jewish students amid the ongoing conflict. The situation reflects a growing tension in academic environments, where political issues are increasingly spilling over into student life. CUNY officials have not yet commented on the incident, which underscores the urgent need for dialogue and understanding in the face of rising antisemitism and political polarization on college campuses. The events at the deli serve as a stark reminder of the challenges that minority groups face in public spaces during times of conflict.