Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez praises 'peaceful' anti-Israel university protesters

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As anti-Israel agitators have taken over several American universities in recent days, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has come to their defence.

Ocasio-Cortez, who represents New York’s 14th District in the House of Representatives, called the protests “peaceful” during an Earth Day news conference in Virginia on Monday.

Protesters set up encampments last week on the grounds of Columbia University to demand the school divest from companies with ties to Israel, with similar demonstrators at Yale and Berkeley.

“Today also serves as a reminder of the power of organizing, of what we can accomplish (when_ young people, climate advocates, labour organizers and working people of all backgrounds come together to demand the future we all deserve,” Ocasio-Cortez said.

“It is especially important that we remember the power of young people shaping the country today. Of all days as we once again witness the leadership of those peaceful student-led protests on campuses like Columbia, Yale, Berkeley and many others.”

U.S. President Joe Biden followed Ocasio-Cortez remarks by praising the progressive Democrat.

“Representative Ocasio-Cortez of New York, I learned a long time ago to listen to that lady,” he said.

Her speech comes at a time when Columbia rabbi Elie Buechler suggested in a WhatsApp message over the weekend that Jewish students stay home and learn remotely due to due to “extreme antisemitism.”

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“The events of the last few days, especially [Saturday] night, have made it clear that Columbia University’s Public Safety and the NYPD cannot guarantee Jewish students’ safety in the face of extreme antisemitism and anarchy,” Buechler wrote Sunday morning, according to the New York Post.

“It deeply pains me to say that I would strongly recommend you return home as soon as possible and remain home until the reality in and around campus has dramatically improved. It is not our job as Jews to ensure our own safety on campus. No one should have to endure this level of hatred, let alone at school.”

Jewish students gathered on Columbia’s campus Saturday night to protest antisemitism were threatened with “hate speech” and “calls to violence,” witnesses told The Post.