Elaine Kersten: No sympathy for protesters

CONTRIBUTEDPolice arrested more than 130 people attending a pro-Palestinian protest at the University of Massachusetts campus the night of May 7. The protesters set up an encampment on the South Lawn and refused to dismantle the camp and disperse.

CONTRIBUTEDPolice arrested more than 130 people attending a pro-Palestinian protest at the University of Massachusetts campus the night of May 7. The protesters set up an encampment on the South Lawn and refused to dismantle the camp and disperse.

Published: 08-15-2024 6:27 PM

Am i supposed to feel sympathy for the individual featured on the Gazette’s front page with the article regarding campus violence [“Fallout only beginning for those arrested at protests,” Aug. 5]?

I don’t think so. As a descendant of German Jews, I am horrified by the antisemitic attitude held by these protesters. That this attitude and related behaviors is pervasive at liberal college campuses nationwide deeply saddens me.

The young woman featured in the article should be ashamed of herself. That she never expected the university to respond with clarity is reflective of how uncritically she and her nationwide cohort think through large, complex issues.

Elaine Kersten

Florence

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