Protesters disrupt Naftali Bennett's appearance at Princeton University event
- An event featuring Naftali Bennett at Princeton University faced disruptions from anti-Israel protesters.
- The unrest included shouts of antisemitic language and a triggered fire alarm, causing significant disruption.
- Princeton University administration is investigating the incidents and calls for better enforcement of free speech regulations have arisen.
On April 9, 2025, an event at Princeton University featuring former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett was disrupted by anti-Israel protesters. This incident occurred at the university's Center of Jewish Life in McCosh Hall, where around 200 students were present. During the event, some protesters attempted to interrupt Bennett's speech, leading to chaos when a fire alarm was triggered. The students expressed varying views on the disruption, with some calling for accountability for their peers who participated in the protests, which included aggressive shouts aimed at Bennett. Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber condemned the antisemitic language reportedly used by some disruptors, stating that their behavior is unacceptable and pledging an investigation into the actions taken during the event. Meyer, a Princeton sophomore, criticized the university for failing to maintain adequate free speech protections and urged for better enforcement of regulations regarding speech on campus. While the university attempted to provide a platform for open dialogue, the protest highlighted the challenges of conducting discussions on contentious topics. Simultaneously, a related event unfolded in New York City, where anti-Israel protesters took over Grand Central Station. The protesters, part of a group known as Within Our Lifetime (WOL), were asserting their stance against Israeli policies following Netanyahu's visit to the White House on the same day. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy condemned the protesters online for disrupting transit operations and labeled the group’s actions as antisemitic. The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), however, disputed Duffy's claim, stating that while some entrances were temporarily closed to manage the crowd, the terminal itself was not shut down. This back-and-forth reflects the broader tensions around the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has led to increased protests across the United States. Events such as those at Princeton and Grand Central underscore a rising climate of polarization surrounding discussions of Israel and Palestine, revealing a significant divide in public opinion that educational institutions and civic spaces are struggling to navigate.