Written by Michael Anderson.
New York City is set to witness a “Citywide Day of Rage for Gaza” this Monday, with events planned at Columbia University and Hunter College. The Columbia University event, organized by Columbia University Apartheid Divest, is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. at the cross streets of Columbia’s Morningside campus. This group, which comprises nearly 100 student organizations, likens their movement to the Vietnam anti-war movement, positioning the Palestinian cause as central to global liberation efforts. Their announcement came just before Columbia University decided to cancel its university-wide commencement ceremony, adding to the campus’s existing tensions.
Meanwhile, Hunter College will see its own rally starting at 5 p.m., orchestrated by Within Our Lifetime, a group that supports Palestinian resistance “by any means necessary” and advocates for the rights of oppressed groups globally. The event’s promotional materials call for turning the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment”—a protest that began at Columbia—into a broader movement, with similar encampments popping up at universities across the nation. Despite the escalating situation, neither Hunter’s nor Columbia’s public safety offices have issued specific warnings, although Columbia has restricted campus access to essential personnel and residents due to the ongoing protests.
A City on Edge: Safety and Security Concerns
The lack of public alerts from Hunter and Columbia’s safety offices has not alleviated concerns about the potential for unrest. The anticipated gatherings, labeled as days of “rage,” suggest a high possibility of intense demonstrations that could affect not only the university communities but also the surrounding neighborhoods. The term “rage” itself is provocative, conjuring images of violent protest and raising legitimate concerns about public safety and the well-being of both participants and bystanders.
While the right to peaceful protest is foundational to American democracy, the rhetoric surrounding these events—especially the endorsement of resistance “by any means necessary”—places the city’s law enforcement and emergency services on high alert. The situation is made even more complex by the significant attention these protests are drawing, paralleling movements from past decades yet distinct in their modern context and implications for local and national security.
Our Take
As New York City prepares for the “Day of Rage for Gaza,” the balance between safeguarding free speech and maintaining public order has never been more delicate. While advocacy for any cause is a protected right, the responsibility that comes with organizing such events is enormous. Ensuring that protests do not escalate into violence is paramount. For the city’s universities and their surrounding communities, Monday will be a true test of resilience and response. It is crucial that all involved prioritize peace, dialogue, and safety above all else, to avoid turning a day of expression into one of regret.
