Left-wing groups funded by Soros behind protests against Israel across the country
Progressive anti-Israel agitators are making headlines across the country, particularly at New York City’s Columbia University. These individuals are associated with groups linked to far-left organizations with radical ties and are backed by the liberal mega-donor George Soros.
National Students for Justice in Palestine (NSJP), a well-known national organization with approximately 200 independent chapters, has been prominently active at Columbia University recently. At one point, NSJP stated that they had walked away from discussions with school officials until they received assurances that they would not be arrested or forced out of their encampment on the university’s West Lawn.
NSJP has been criticized for comparing Israel’s treatment of Palestinians to historical atrocities like those committed during Nazi Germany and the Jim Crow era. The group has gone as far as accusing Israel of genocide and propagating Hamas propaganda. They have also been reported to routinely promote violent rhetoric and violate university policies, thus creating a threatening environment for Jewish students.
Following a terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel, SJP released a statement hailing the violence as a “historic win for the Palestinian resistance.” This kind of rhetoric has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, questioning the group’s commitment to non-violent advocacy.
The founder of NSJP, Hatem Bazian, has a troubling history that includes making controversial and antisemitic statements, such as calling for an “intifada” in the United States, defending Hamas on social media, and endorsing the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. These actions have raised concerns about the group’s motives and tactics.
Video footage captured at UC Berkeley showed Bazian seemingly celebrating the Hamas attack on Israel, raising further questions about his ideological beliefs and affiliations. His connections to several prominent political figures, including Reps. Summer Lee, Barbara Lee, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib, have also come under scrutiny.
In addition to Columbia University, NSJP has been actively protesting and creating encampments at other universities nationwide, such as UCLA, USC, and the University of Texas in Austin. These actions have led to several arrests and heightened tensions on campus.
Another group, Jewish Voice for Peace, which is also active at Columbia University, has received substantial funding from Soros-linked organizations since 2016. This group has been vocal in its opposition to U.S. support for Israel and advocates for Palestinian rights within Israel’s borders.
Furthermore, U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights, another Soros-backed group, has been reported to pay “fellows” to organize and participate in anti-Israel protests across the country. These activities have raised concerns about the influence of dark money in fueling these protests and the agendas behind them.
Amidst the growing tensions, Open Society, a foundation funded by George Soros, has defended its support for various groups advocating for Palestinian rights and peaceful resolutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The foundation emphasizes its commitment to open dialogue and peaceful protest as essential components of a democratic society.
As these progressive anti-Israel groups continue to gain visibility and influence on college campuses, concerns about their tactics, rhetoric, and affiliations have sparked debates about free speech, campus safety, and the broader implications of their activism.
