Another Pro-Hamas Encampment Coming Soon at Princeton

The movement is not slowing down as anti-Israel and pro-Hamas protests, encampments and camps appear on campuses. This is due to the weak-kneed presidents of universities who are intimidated by the loud, potentially violent crowd and refuse to do anything. Jewish students feel unsafe on any campus. The organizers of a new encampment are about to set up on another Ivy League campus. They have no concern about the consequences because they don’t need to.

As usual, there are some demands. A group of Princeton University Students are planning to set up an anti-Israel camp. According to a press release entitled “Princeton Gaza Solidarity Encampment Demands”, the goal of the camp is:

Put pressure on Princeton University to divest from Israel and to disassociate itself. Also, call attention to Princeton’s active participation in the ongoing genocide and human rights catastrophe.

The modus operandi mirrors other campus encampments, featuring a list of demands. The primary demand urges Princeton to promptly call for a cease-fire and denounce Israel’s alleged genocidal actions. Additionally, it calls for the university to sever ties with and divest from companies that profit from or support Israel’s military efforts, occupation, and apartheid policies. Lastly, it demands that Princeton establish connections with Palestinian academic and cultural institutions.

The recruitment documents are what catches your eye. They seem to have a well-organized list of do’s, and don’ts. The group is almost saying that they know their actions are against campus policy, but they also know the consequences of such an action will be minimal to none due to the spineless university presidents. They also claim that they have “pro bono security and legal support” as well as “faculty on our side for negotiations with the administration.” Participants are assured that:

It is unlikely that there will be any exposition. At Princeton, it takes a committee to do this and we know at least two faculty members are on the Faculty for Justice in Palestine.

The basic items are covered. It gets better organized. The encampment is expected to start with 20 people and will have a festive antisemitism atmosphere that includes “teach-ins, community events, recruitment, dance, music [and] the community.” There is also a color-coded description of how the encampment’s support will be provided and the duties for each color code. These duties can range from those taking academic and legal risks to those giving speeches outside the camp. During recruitment, participants should be asked to provide the names of five people who they believe would also take part.

The “Media Training” section of the recruitment documents is what gives away that this movement is not organic, whether it is at Princeton or another college or university. Amber Von Schassen is said to be the Communications Manager for the Institute for Middle East Understanding. Von Schassen advises students to “avoid encampment,” but she provides young antisemites/”revolutionaries” with valuable talking points that are gently called “messaging priorities.” These include:

As a student, I am horrified to learn that Princeton funds Israel’s genocide.

“Princeton’s repression against student advocacy for Palestinian liberation is part of a nationwide pattern aimed at silencing the voices of students who speak out against Israel’s genocide of Gaza.”

“We are not going anywhere. Hundreds of students continue to peacefully protest in Princeton.”

Want to avoid being called antisemitic? VonSchassen advises students to “Never bring antisemitism up unless it’s brought up …” The response to any accusations of racism is that “Many of our organizers were Jewish and their social justice training was what motivated them to be here. When we say never again we mean never again for anyone.” Antisemitism, of course, is “real and deadly.” That should be enough to convince anyone.

Is it a coincidence that all senior Hamas leaders have said that U.S. demonstrations are important? Hamas leader Khaled Massal called on “millions” of people to go to the streets. Haytham Abdo represents the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. In an interview he gave in January, he said “that…more than 50% of young Americans now are pro-Palestinian …”

Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the House, has asked Columbia University President Minouche Sharif to resign. There are more anti-Israel far-left university presidents in her past.