Jewish UC Berkeley students fight against campus antisemitism

BERKELEY, Calif. - Jewish students, alumni, and faculty at the University of California, Berkeley, gathered on Monday to condemn campus antisemitism and demand the university do more to protect its Jewish community members.

Hundreds of students marched to "Liberate the Gate" in direct response to Sather Gate being blocked by pro-Palestinian protests for the past several weeks.

Organizers of the demonstration wanted to convey a resolute message to the university.

"It's incredible. To have so many people stand with us in wanting to have a safe campus for Jews where we have free speech, like everyone else," said graduate student Hannah Schlacter.

One person who spoke said they respect their classmates' right to free speech, but had some concerns.  "We're here today because the administration has refused to date to enforce its policies and to make sure that Sather Gate is open to all students," said protest spokesperson Charlotte Aaron.

As they marched across campus, the group went around Sather Gate to avoid direct conflict. At the sign, Jewish students met a pro-Palestinian sign attendant. 

"We are doing this everyday. Our audience is the University and the demand that the university divest. Our audience is the students…to know that there's a genocide happening," said Sarah of the Graduate Students for Justice in Palestine.

Jewish student groups said the environment at UC Berkeley has grown "increasingly hostile" towards the Jewish community since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Specifically, the groups say the university is selective when applying its policies to groups of protesters.

"When there was the riot, I went to the police station with one of the students who was spat on and called ‘dirty Jew’ repeatedly," said Schlacter. "That's a feeling that I don't know how to describe, but it sends me the message that if I want to be safe, I have to go elsewhere."

The university said civil disobedience, such as blocking Sather Gate, does not call for police actions, but if there is violence, campus police will intervene. 

"What we don't want is a bigger protest, What we don't want is conflict. What we don't want is violence. Those are the things we prioritize," said Cal Public Information Officer Dan Mogulof.

Monday's demonstration wasn't the only effort to support the Jewish community on campus.

Professor Ron Hassner began a "lock-in" inside his office at 6 p.m. on Thursday. He said it's his way of persuading the university to do more.

"A week and a half ago, as many have heard, when a speaker came to campus to talk about the Israeli Gaza conflict, a mob of 200 masked students and non-students attacked a venue, harmed multiple students, damaged university property," Hassner told KTVU. "So, now students are worried. "

Hassner said he will stay there until the campus takes the "necessary" steps to prevent violence against students.

Others touched on the ability to move about freely on campus. 

"There can be no compromise about freedom of movement; about the freedom to walk on about our campus, whatever one's identity, without fear of harassment or intimidation. No student," said Center for Jewish Studies Director Ethan Katz.

The demonstration was peaceful. 

"That was the goal, that you can be peaceful and have different ideas in this Jewish community and non-Jewish community and we can be successful as we live together in a pluralistic democracy," said participant Dorit Dordend.

One pedestrian did force herself through the paper sign at the gate which was quickly repaired.