Car allegedly belonging to pro-Israel group attacked, vandalized by Pro-Palestine supporter

An Anti-Israel supporter attacked and vandalized a car belonging to a pro-Israel group in Oregon. The incident occurred amid ongoing tensions and pro-Palestinian protests, which have led to unrest and violence in recent weeks.

Why this matters: The escalation of violence and vandalism on college campuses in response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has significant implications for free speech, academic freedom, and campus safety. The escalation of violence and vandalism on college campuses in response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has significant implications for free speech, academic freedom, and campus safety. As tensions continue to rise, university administrators and law enforcement must confront complex challenges to ensure the security and well-being of students, faculty, and the wider community.

The attack on the pro-Israel group's vehicle took place just hours after Portland police cleared out a library on the Portland State University campus that protesters had occupied since Monday. The police action resulted in 22 arrests. The incident is part of a larger movement, with tent encampments of protesters calling on universities to stop doing business with Israel or companies supporting the war in Gaza spreading across campuses nationwide.

Over the last two weeks, more than 2,000 people have been arrested at universities across the United States in connection with pro-Palestinian demonstrations, according to an Associated Press tally. The driver of the vandalized car in the Oregon incident was detained by police and taken to a hospital on a mental health hold, but their name has not been released.

The attack on the pro-Israel group's car came just a day after a separate incident on May 2, when 15 Portland Police Bureau cars were burned, prompting the mobilization of Oregon State Police. On the same day, Portland State University cancelled classes and issued a shelter-in-place order for two halls on its campus as a result of the escalating violence.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek strongly condemned the criminal actions, stating, "I fully condemn the criminal actions taken Thursday morning that resulted in the burning of 15 Portland Police Bureau cars, endangering first responders and the surrounding community. I have absolutely no tolerance for discriminatory harassment, violence, or property damage." Kotek emphasized that the state is prepared to exercise the full extent of the law to address such incidents.

In response to student and faculty demands, Portland State University has temporarily paused seeking or accepting further gifts or grants from Boeing on account of the company's weapons manufacturing divisions and connections to Israel. University President Ann Cudd stated that the move is not permanent, and a moderated forum will be held next month to discuss the issue.

The attack on the pro-Israel group's car and the ongoing protests at Portland State University highlight the heightened tensions and polarization surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on college campuses. The situation continues to unfold, university administrators, law enforcement, and state officials face complex challenges in addressing these demonstrations and acts of violence while ensuring the safety and security of students, faculty, and the wider community.

Key Takeaways

• Anti-Israel supporter vandalized a pro-Israel group's car in Oregon.
• Earlier, 22 arrests made after police cleared out a library occupied by protesters at Portland State University.
• Over 2,000 people arrested at US universities in connection with pro-Palestinian demonstrations in 2 weeks.
• Oregon Governor Tina Kotek condemned the violence, promising to exercise the full extent of the law.
• Portland State University paused accepting gifts/grants from Boeing due to its connections to Israel.