Cape News

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has called on President Biden to utilize the National Guard in safeguarding Jewish American students amidst escalating campus protests. In a letter to President Biden, Senator Hawley emphasized the need for immediate action to protect Jewish students from anti-Israel demonstrations.

Senator Hawley highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, "You must immediately mobilize the National Guard and any other authorities necessary to ensure the safety of Jewish American students and citizens." He underscored the gravity of recent events, referencing President Biden's condemnation of harassment and violence against Jews and urging concrete measures to address the issue.

The letter addressed specific incidents at Columbia University, where in-person classes were canceled on the Jewish holiday of Passover due to illegal pro-Hamas demonstrations. Senator Hawley described shocking displays of antisemitism, including assaults on Jewish students, theft and attempted burning of an Israeli flag, and violent rhetoric advocating for repeated attacks against Israel.

Drawing a historical parallel, Senator Hawley invoked President Eisenhower's deployment of the National Guard in 1957 to protect black students, emphasizing the need for similar protective measures for Jewish American students facing threats on college campuses.

Senator Hawley's letter serves as a formal plea to President Biden to take decisive action in ensuring the safety and well-being of Jewish students in the face of escalating tensions and antisemitic incidents on university grounds.