Princeton University Event Disrupted by Protests: Jewish Student Speaks Out on Antisemitism

Princeton University Event Disrupted by Protests: Jewish Student Speaks Out on Antisemitism

A lecture at Princeton University featuring former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett faced severe disruption this week due to heated protests occurring both inside and outside the venue. Many Jewish students reported experiencing targeted slurs and hateful rhetoric, raising serious concerns about campus safety and antisemitism.

Danielle Shapiro, a senior at Princeton who attended the event, described the chaotic atmosphere. She pointed out that administrative failures were evident even before the lecture started at 7:30 PM.

“Entering this event with a former prime minister of Israel, there was no need for identity verification or bag checks,” Shapiro stated during her appearance on a news show.

Outside the venue, approximately 200 protesters gathered, creating a cacophony with drums and megaphones. Shapiro noted that the environment quickly turned hostile as demonstrators escalated their actions inside the event space.

“About 20 minutes in, 25 Princeton students got up and started screaming at Naftali Bennett,” Shapiro recalled. The protestors used vulgar language and directed their ire at the former prime minister, disrupting the discussion.

The situation escalated further when someone pulled a fire alarm, leading to a swift evacuation of attendees. Once outside, they encountered a large crowd of protesters, which only intensified the strains of the evening. In an op-ed, Shapiro shared her distressing experiences, recalling how she was subjected to antisemitic remarks, including being told to “go back to Europe” and being labeled “inbred swine.”

In response to the incident, Shapiro, alongside other Jewish students, is urging the university administration to take definitive action. They are calling for Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber to issue a formal apology to Bennett, recognizing the disgraceful treatment he endured.

Shapiro emphasized the need for disciplinary measures against individuals who interrupted the event. Moreover, she advocated for the implementation of new policies aimed at preventing future antisemitic occurrences. One suggestion includes banning face coverings during protests, a policy already adopted by other universities following similar incidents.

Shapiro also urged for the suspension of Princeton’s chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine. She accused the group of breaching multiple university policies and argued that this warranted disciplinary action.

“That is a nasty group of students on campus who have violated multiple university rules, and that alone justifies a club suspension,” she asserted.

Princeton President Christopher L. Eisgruber later issued a statement expressing his dismay regarding the reported antisemitic language aimed at members of the university community. He confirmed that the institution would thoroughly investigate the matter and assess potential disciplinary actions. Eisgruber acknowledged that at least one of the individuals who disrupted the lecture was not affiliated with Princeton.

This incident follows closely on the heels of the Trump administration’s suspension of millions of dollars in research funding to Princeton and other Ivy League institutions due to concerns about reported antisemitism on campus.

Shapiro remarked that while she believes Princeton has managed recent protests better than various other schools, she still feels deeply troubled by the current state of affairs.

“If you had told me what Princeton’s environment was like two years ago today, I would have been shocked to my core,” she reflected.

She added, “Saying it’s relatively better than Columbia is not something that Princeton should take pride in. It remains exceedingly concerning.”

The situation at Princeton University serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing issues regarding free speech, safety, and the ever-important dialogue surrounding antisemitism on college campuses. As students and administrators navigate these complex dynamics, the need for open communication and meaningful action becomes paramount for fostering a safe and inclusive academic environment.