Diversity, equity, and inclusion measures on college campuses have given rise to the idea of Israeli ‘oppression’ in a Marxist framework.
A wild jumble of emotions runs through Jewish college student Keren Binyamin’s head nowadays—a mix of terror, outrage, and determination.
At the University of Maryland, she has seen what began as peaceful pro-Palestinian protests devolve into gatherings that exude seething anger.
It’s a phenomenon erupting on college campuses across the country.
Experts say what’s propelling the rage-filled pro-Palestine demonstrations isn’t just a reaction to the Israel–Hamas war. That conflict began after the terrorist group Hamas, based in Gaza, came across the border into Israel on Oct. 7 to brutally murder 1,200 civilians and carry off more than 200 hostages.
Many voicing opposition to Israel now blame it for the attack. They call Israel an “oppressor” nation.
It’s the same way Marxists view the United States.
And that’s what’s causing the sudden rise in violent rhetoric and actions, according to some experts. They blame diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) ideology for the rapidly spreading anti-Israel sentiment.
“I think that’s what we’re seeing—the protests in support of Hamas on college campuses and against Israel—are clearly linked to DEI,” said Sherry Sylvester, a senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
Palestinian student groups have marched with signs calling for the end of Israeli “occupation” of Palestine’s land and accusing Jews of colonizing Gaza. Anti-Israeli protests have become increasingly aggressive.
Protestors echo the same ideology of the DEI programs, classes, and rhetoric that has infiltrated institutions of higher learning worldwide. But behind it all is Marxism, some experts have said.
The presence of DEI—an offshoot of Marxism—on campuses has created a “distorted, ugly, hateful culture,” Ms. Sylvester said.
No matter what’s fueling these emotional expressions of hate, the result is chaos and a sense that danger is increasing, students told The Epoch Times.
Ms. Binyamin recalled an intense fear that shook her when she saw about 300 fellow students chanting anti-Israel slogans and support for Palestine on campus. Angrily, they shouted for an uprising against Jews.
