A firestorm erupted after a Columbia University student group, identifying as a pro-Palestinian collective, posted a chilling message in Farsi: “Death to America.” The phrase appeared online following reports of the death of Iran’s supreme leader, instantly igniting a fierce political backlash.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a leading Republican contender for governor, responded with unbridled fury. In a direct video message, he demanded the students responsible immediately leave the university, using stark and uncompromising language.
The incident quickly escalated into a central issue in the gubernatorial race, with Blakeman accusing New York’s progressive leadership of failing to address what he describes as a growing wave of anti-American extremism within the state’s prestigious universities.
The group, known as Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), operates outside of official university recognition. They portray themselves as a coalition fighting for Palestinian liberation, drawing parallels to the anti-war movements of the Vietnam era.
Their initial post, “Marg bar Amrika,” was swiftly removed by X, the social media platform. However, CUAD defiantly asserted that the sentiment behind the message remained unchanged, even after being forced to delete it to regain account access.
Blakeman characterized the group’s actions as not activism, but dangerous extremism that actively incites terror. He emphasized that American universities thrive because of the very freedoms and opportunities this country provides, freedoms he believes are being undermined.
CUAD expressed grief over the death of the Iranian leader, framing it as a loss for the Iranian people and asserting their right to defend themselves against what they termed “Zionist warfare.” Their rhetoric further fueled the controversy and intensified calls for accountability.
The group openly disavows any affiliation with Columbia University, branding the institution a “fascist state functionary.” They proudly maintain their status as an unregistered organization, operating entirely independently of the university’s oversight.
CUAD gained notoriety earlier in 2024 for organizing large-scale, tent-filled anti-Israel protests on campus, in collaboration with Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate student with a complex history. Khalil was briefly detained by immigration authorities following the protests before a judge ordered his release.
Columbia University has publicly stated that CUAD is illegally using the university’s name, distancing itself from the group’s controversial statements and actions. The situation continues to unfold, raising critical questions about free speech, extremism, and the role of universities in a politically charged climate.
