According to UPenn student Eyal Yakoby, students are concerned about their safety as emotions on campus rise as a result of anti-Israel protests. Yakoby, a senior studying political science and Middle Eastern studies, told The Jerusalem Post on Friday that he feels unsafe amid the continuous violence.
Yakoby turned to social media on Monday to release what he claimed was an internal communication from encampment activists, encouraging people to “be prepared to escalate your actions” and to construct defences and barricades.
Fox News reported on activist guidelines such as Flood the Gates: Escalate and Do-It-Yourself Occupation Guide 2024, which outline ways for erecting obstacles and shields. Yakoby further revealed that a protester was caught in possession of a catapault and switchblade within the encampment.
Concerns have been expressed concerning Jewish students’ safety on campus, with Yakoby citing incidents of abuse and vandalism. He provided proof of vandalised school property, including the desecration of American flags and writings advocating violence against Israel. Yakoby reportedly alleged that Jewish students were harassed and intimidated by protesters.
Despite efforts to resolve the matter, including sending a petition with 3,200 signatures demanding the encampment’s evacuation, Yakoby claims the administration has been unresponsive. While the administration has repeatedly condemned violence and harassment on campus, Yakoby believes their inactivity has aggravated the situation.
Yakoby asked the administration to listen to students’ concerns while upholding the university’s academic goal. He urged swift action to protect the safety and well-being of all students on campus.