Classes at Columbia University were shifted online Monday as protests over the Israel-Hamas war heightened tensions on US campuses and led to dozens of arrests at Yale University.

A large group of demonstrators has established a “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” on lawns at Columbia, with some Jewish students at the prestigious New York institution reporting intimidation and anti-Semitism amid the days-long protest.

In an open letter to the university community, Columbia’s president Nemat Shafik said there needed to be “a reset.”

“Over the past days, there have been too many examples of intimidating and harassing behavior on our campus,” she said.

“Anti-Semitic language, like any other language that is used to hurt and frighten people, is unacceptable and appropriate action will be taken.

“To deescalate the rancor and give us all a chance to consider next steps, I am announcing that all classes will be held virtually on Monday,” she added.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators began their protest last week, calling for the university to divest from companies that have ties to Israel.

More than 100 of them were arrested after university authorities called the police onto the private campus on Thursday, a move that seemingly escalated tensions and sparked a greater turnout over the weekend.বিস্তারিত