Hands Off: Emergency Rally

A disruptive rally, open forum, and march are scheduled for Thursday, April 17, beginning at 12:30 PM at the Sundial on Columbia University’s campus. The event is being led by Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUSU) and Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), two groups that have consistently defended pro-Hamas rhetoric and sought to undermine campus accountability efforts.

Event Overview

This protest is being framed as a “last stand for democracy,” with organizers claiming that academic freedom is under attack, students are being unlawfully detained, and unrelated political grievances like Palestine and trans rights are under siege. In reality, the demonstration is a reactionary effort to oppose lawful federal actions targeting students who have promoted antisemitic hostility, glorified terrorism, and disrupted campus safety.

CUSU and JVP are rallying around detained individuals—such as Mohsen Mahdawi and Mohammad Khalil—who are being held accountable for extremist activism. Rather than advocating for genuine educational freedom, these groups are attempting to normalize radicalism, disrupt university operations, and paint terrorist sympathizers as victims.

Students are being urged to skip class, call out sick, mask up to avoid identification, and participate aggressively in rallies and marches designed to pressure Columbia University into defying federal law.

Organizers’ Background

CUSU and JVP are both known for promoting extremist narratives under the guise of activism. CUSU has led efforts to vilify Israel, shield pro-Hamas agitators, and accuse the U.S. government of “kidnapping” students. JVP, despite its name, has a long record of supporting organizations that call for the destruction of Israel and of spreading antisemitic disinformation on American campuses.

Both groups are now using emotionally charged slogans to deflect from the reality: they are defending individuals tied to hate speech, violence, and incitement.

Safety Advisory

If you are on or near Columbia University’s campus on April 17, avoid the Sundial area and surrounding parts of campus beginning midday. Heavy crowds, elevated tensions, and confrontational behavior are expected. Protesters have been encouraged to conceal their identities, further increasing the risk of escalation. Remain vigilant and report any dangerous or suspicious activity to campus security or the NYPD.

How You Can Help

Share this alert widely to expose the truth about CUSU and JVP’s destructive agenda. Protect your community by staying informed and rejecting extremist efforts to undermine campus safety and federal law.

Stay alert. Stay safe. 🚨