U.S. campuses see protests on Gaza war anniversary

The one-year anniversary of the Hamas-led attack on Israel that triggered the Gaza war, pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrations took place across the United States, particularly on college campuses and in major cities.

At Columbia University, pro-Palestinian protesters marched on campus chanting "Free, free Palestine," while pro-Israel demonstrators gathered nearby, holding placards with hostages' faces and names. The Jewish community at Columbia staged an art installation featuring large sculptures with photos of Israeli hostages, aiming to honor and remember the victims of the October 7 attack.

Similar events occurred on campuses nationwide, with pro-Palestinian groups like Students for Justice in Palestine organizing protests at universities in Maryland, Colorado, California, and elsewhere. Jewish student organizations, including campus Hillels, held vigils and remembrance events for those killed and taken hostage.

In New York City, a large gathering of about 1,500 protesters marched in support of the Palestinian cause. While most events were peaceful, some incidents of vandalism were reported. In Michigan, homes of University of Michigan officials were spray-painted with pro-Palestinian messages, and in New York, vandals targeted CUNY campuses with anti-Israeli graffiti.

The anniversary reignited the intense activism that has characterized U.S. campuses since the war began. Last spring saw heated protests across the country, with students demanding divestment from Israel and support for a free Palestinian state. These demonstrations often led to arrests and occasionally turned violent.

The contrasting events highlighted the deep divisions and emotional impact of the ongoing conflict. Pro-Palestinian activists used the day to protest Israel's military actions in Gaza, which have reportedly resulted in over 41,000 Palestinian deaths.