bassel al araj

Masked protesters, reportedly linked to Unity of Fields, stormed Columbia University's library, renaming a reading room in honour of Bassel al-Araj. Flyers distributed by the demonstrators described al-Araj as a "militant intellectual," while also containing factual inaccuracies. Al-Araj was a Palestinian activist killed by Israeli forces in 2017, who claimed he was part of a terror cell.

Sachin Peddada, a PhD student, sparked controversy at the People's Conference for Palestine by labeling the United States an "evil country" and advocating to "destroy the idea of America." His remarks, delivered during a panel on arms embargoes, drew both applause and sharp criticism. Critics viewed his language as hostile and subversive, while supporters saw it as a necessary critique of US foreign policy.