Khalil Arrest Sparks Controversy Over Antisemitism Response in U.S.

The rise of antisemitism in the U.S. has escalated since the outbreak of conflict in Gaza on October 7, 2023, with incidents reported across various platforms, notably on college campuses where pro-Palestinian protests have sparked significant debate. New York Times columnist Bret Stephens supports President Trump's actions against Columbia University amid these protests, while also expressing concern over potential overreach that could threaten higher education freedoms. The arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a student involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations, has intensified discussions about the implications of these tensions for Jewish students' safety and freedom of speech on campuses. Chuck Schumer's upcoming book highlights the dual threat of antisemitism from both the right and left, urging awareness of how rhetoric surrounding Israel can fuel prejudice. Meanwhile, the Australian university system faces criticism for adopting a definition of antisemitism that some believe suppresses legitimate criticism of Israel. Overall, the discourse around antisemitism is increasingly polarized, with voices from both sides calling for caution in how this sensitive issue is navigated.