COLLEGE PARK, Md. — A Jewish student at the University of Maryland is speaking out after she says a pro-Palestine rally on campus turned antisemitic on Thursday. Hateful phrases like "Holocaust 2.0" were written in chalk on the main campus plaza.
The rally was hosted by Students for Justice in Palestine. The student group says it "works in solidarity with the Palestinian people's struggle for human rights." Thursday's rally was meant to call for a ceasefire as the war between Israel and Hamas continues.
The student we spoke to said the demonstration included some frightening moments and she now feels unsafe on campus.
"Now that I know what some people on this campus think, I don't feel as safe walking around. Especially alone and especially at night," she said.
Organizers of the protest specifically addressed the "Holocaust 2.0" writing in a statement.
"The Holocaust 2.0 message was clearly referring to the genocide taking place in Gaza right now and drawing a parallel to the Holocaust in WWII. The parallel is faulty and has been misrepresented. Initially SJP members had crossed it out after noticing it on the pavement," Students for Justice in Palestine said.
The University of Maryland said in a statement that they are aware of the situation and are investigating.
"We are aware of hateful, antisemitic sentiment expressed at today’s demonstration by Students for Justice in Palestine. We condemn it in no uncertain terms. The offensive actions of a few should not reflect on the vast majority of protesters who were there to peacefully express their views, but there is no place for any antisemitic message, behavior or action at the University of Maryland. The University of Maryland Police Department (UMPD) has launched an immediate investigation and continues to conduct real-time threat assessments. Responsible parties will be held accountable," the statement reads.
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