College campuses around the U.S. braced for tensions Monday as opposing groups spoke out about whether Gaza or Israel was to blame in the escalating conflict.
At Harvard University, a joint statement signed by 31 student organizations said they “hold the Israeli regime entirely responsible for all unfolding violence.” At the University of California, Berkeley, the local chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine issued a statement denouncing the Israeli occupation of Gaza.
Matt Vogel, executive director of Hillel, the Jewish student group, at the University of Vermont, posted on Instagram that campus police would increase patrols by the school’s Hillel house this week where a vigil in support of Israel is planned.
More than 45 faculty are organizing a teach-in to provide students with historical context, he said.
“We keep the memories of those murdered alive and we will keep hope alive for those who are held captive,” Vogel wrote on Instagram.
Persons:
Matt Vogel, Hillel, “, ” Vogel
Organizations:
Harvard University, University of California, Justice, University of Vermont
Locations:
U.S, Gaza, Israel, Berkeley, Palestine, Instagram