Thu May 08 03:14:31 UTC 2025: ## Student Protest at Columbia University Over Israel Ties Leads to Arrests
**NEW YORK, NY** – Dozens of pro-Palestinian activists were arrested at Columbia University following a protest inside the main library, Butler Library, on [Date of Protest]. The demonstration, organized by the student group Columbia University Apartheid Divest, targeted the university’s alleged financial ties to Israel, accusing it of profiting from “imperialist violence.”
Demonstrators occupied the library, renaming it the “Basel Al-Araj Popular University” in honor of a Palestinian activist killed by Israeli forces in 2017. Footage circulating on social media shows protesters chanting, beating drums, and standing on tables.
Columbia University’s acting president, Claire Shipman, condemned the demonstration as “completely unacceptable,” citing disruptions to academic activities and the injury of two public safety officers during attempts to regain control of the building. University officials called the NYPD after protesters refused to identify themselves and leave. Approximately 80 demonstrators were arrested, according to reports from 1010 WINS radio.
The NYPD confirmed that arrests were made after individuals failed to comply with dispersal orders. Shipman’s statement also strongly condemned violence, antisemitism, and all forms of hate and discrimination. This protest follows similar demonstrations on US campuses last year in response to the conflict in Gaza. The university is currently reviewing the incident and considering further actions.
First Piper 