Shubhanjana Das

Demonstrations in Columbia University marking the one-year anniversary of October 7 attacks

Pro Israel and pro Palestine groups of students and faculty demonstate on Columbia University’s Low Library steps on October 7. The former called to bring the Israeli hostages held by Hamas back while the latter called for a “Free Palestine”. © Photo Subhanjana Das

Students and faculty of Columbia University take part in demonstrations in supporting Israel and Palestine to mark one year since October 7. The university has been at the forefront of protests and counterprotests since April when hundreds of student’s pitched tents to establish an encampment calling for the university’s divestment from companies profiting from Israel’s military assault in Gaza. The encampment sparked protests in educational institutions worldwide.