A coalition of Jewish groups at UCLA are asking its Chancellor Gene Block to step up and create a climate free from fear and intimidation on campus.
As KNX News' Nataly Tavidian reports, the collective, made up of students, alumni, and representatives from the Anti-Defamation League is condemning the way UCLA handled the week-long pro-Palestinian encampment.
Gabby Lasry, VP of Bruins for Israel, said, "Jewish students were incredibly intimidated for the encampment's rhetoric. But two also because the encampment completely violated UCLA's guidelines."
American Jewish Committee of Los Angeles Director Rick Hirschhaut believes UCLA failed to ensure the safety, well-being, and civil rights of its students, saying, "Freedom of speech and freedom to peacefully protest are fundamental pillars of our democracy. But violence, harassment, and intimidation are not free speech."
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While the group is criticizing UCLA and Chancellor Block for slow action after a week of chaos, they also condemned the actions of violence started by some pro-Israeli agitators - saying that's not what they stand for.
"To be fair," Hirschhaut said, "violence against the UCLA encampment by some pro-Israel agitators further endangered students making an already intolerable situation even worse - We condemn these actions unequivocally."
He says this last week has cast a dark shadow over the university and feels that it will likely last for quite some time.
The group is imploring the administration to allow them to help reestablish a safe environment on campus for all, and share their experience.
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