A student at Columbia University, in New York, in the United States, tore up her diploma during a graduation ceremony that took place this Sunday (12) in protest against the Israeli offensive in Gaza, where the country is trying to eliminate Hamas and rescue hostages kidnapped in the October 2023 terrorist attack.
During the event, reduced due to the intense demonstrations against Israel that have taken place in recent weeks, where it was possible to hear some pro-Hamas shouts and observe acts of anti-Semitism, several graduates took to the stage with their hands handcuffed and carrying signs in favor of Palestine.
One of the students, identified as Tarsis Salome, who completed her master’s degree in social work, stood on stage during the ceremony to receive her diploma with her hands tied above her head. Salome tore her diploma into pieces in front of the crowd and was applauded by some individuals who were present.
Another Columbia student who was participating in the graduation ceremony, named Maliha Fairooz, had the name of a leader of the terrorist group Hamas, identified as Mazen Jamal Al-Natsheh, on her cap, according to the newspaper. New York Post.
Several other students who took the stage to receive their diplomas also held up signs with the Palestinian flag drawn on them and shouted slogans against Israel.
Columbia University was the epicenter of the violent protests against Israel that are currently taking place at several American educational institutions. Columbia decided to cancel its main graduation ceremony and hold a much smaller event than expected because of intense clashes between protesters and police.
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