With the decline of pro-Palestinian demonstrations across US campuses, Jewish students report that Donald Trump's return to the White House has created a more secure environment and an increased sense of personal safety. They also note a marked decrease in pro-Palestinian protesters' willingness to engage in extreme actions.
"Today, students think twice before wearing Hamas headbands because they understand the consequences – arrest and deportation from the US. We don't want these people in our country anymore," Gideon Escovitz (22), an undergraduate at Hunter College in Manhattan, a previous epicenter of pro-Palestinian protests in New York, said. He currently heads "Jewish Students for America," an organization combating foreign funding in American educational institutions, primarily from China and Qatar. "The protest momentum has diminished since last semester. Protesters have lost their drive, and wearing a keffiyeh while confronting local law enforcement is not trendy anymore."
According to Escovitz, Jewish students experience enhanced security. "The Trump administration, along with Congressional Republicans, works alongside us, respecting our status as citizens, voters, and contributing Americans. They're committed to supporting us. This is my homeland – my great-grandfather served as a US Air Force officer, and no 'schmuck' will exclude me or threaten my existence."
"Protests dramatically reduced"
Shortly after his White House return, Trump addressed the protests, stating they had unleashed an "unprecedented wave of vile antisemitic discrimination, vandalism, and violence against our citizens, especially in our schools and on our campuses." He promptly signed executive orders mandating the investigation and punishment of protest participants who violated laws, including Hamas supporters, given Hamas' designation as a terrorist organization in the US. Trump further announced visa revocation for pro-Hamas students on campuses.
Lilian Ross (20), studying psychology at Rutgers University in New Jersey, observed: "The protests are still happening, but have dramatically reduced, primarily because pro-Palestinian organizations are postponing activities, fearing potential consequences." However, Ross noted persistent anti-Israel sentiment. "Our student union still sees attempts to pass anti-Israel resolutions and anti-Zionist declarations."
The protest reduction at Rutgers can be partially attributed to the suspension of 'Students for Palestine' from campus activities until mid-2025, following their involvement in last year's unrest.
Ross experienced "genuine fear" during the protest wave. "Antisemitic graffiti appeared on student residences, our events faced disruption, we were pursued by Palestinian flag-bearing protesters, hostage posters were destroyed – ultimately forcing my return to my parents' home." Regarding campus Jewish organizations, she stated: "The issue isn't with Jewish organizations but with administration-student communication breakdowns, which persist. Those responsible remain unidentified." She currently collaborates with fellow Jewish students on policy papers documenting Jewish students' situations at Rutgers, intended for government and Congressional review.
"The White House now has leadership that won't tolerate campus chaos"
Eyal Yacobi (22), who attended the University of Pennsylvania during last year's protests and is currently a prominent advocate, welcomes Trump's election and initial administrative actions. "The White House now has leadership that won't tolerate campus chaos. Biden's era saw unchecked behavior from pro-Palestinian students. Despite the brief time since inauguration, Trump has established an inter-agency investigation team, implemented student deportations for legal violations, and launched comprehensive investigations. These actions should have commenced Oct. 8, and it's refreshing to see leadership committed to protecting Americans."
He sees "an opportunity for proactive measures" against students who targeted Jewish peers. "The administration begins addressing campus antisemitism at its root, inspiring considerable hope."
Yacobi criticized campus Jewish organizations' failure to anticipate or manage the unprecedented unrest. "As Israel must investigate Oct. 7, organizations must examine Oct. 8. They grew complacent, focusing on broader issues like civil rights, LGBTQ concerns, and African American matters – all important, but Jewish organizations must prioritize Jewish student protection and crisis preparedness."
A key voice during the protests, Yacobi addressed Congress near the university presidents' hearing, calling it the "Super Bowl for Jewish students." "The real-time accountability exposed clear antisemitism and campus moral ambiguity." Regarding protest participants, he noted, "The Trump administration and multi-agency task force clearly intend to address law violators."
Reformed administrative response
Professor Ran Kivetz, a 24-year Columbia Business School faculty member, noted tangible changes. "Last year's forceful campus takeovers have virtually disappeared. The new president maintains stricter standards than her predecessor. While isolated incidents persist – like masked protesters disrupting an Israeli professor's class with antisemitic materials – the intensity differs significantly from peak unrest periods."
Kivetz observed "surface-level improvements," attributing changes to both protest fatigue and revised administrative approaches. "The previous president showed either incompetence or misalignment – labeling them 'protesters,' entertaining BDS compromises, displaying weakness. Trump promised university investigations during his campaign and since election. The Israeli professor classroom incident drew immediate, severe condemnation and perpetrator accountability – unprecedented under previous leadership."
He noted, "Federal funding freezes for Columbia's medical school, decreased donations, and reduced revenue have pressured administration toward reform." However, Kivetz acknowledged persistent concerns among Jewish faculty about publicly addressing campus antisemitism. "Fear remains prevalent, especially in undergraduate humanities, where faculty members openly challenge Israel's legitimacy. These academics show increased coordination and boldness, integrating anti-Israel sentiment into curricula – a worsening trend."
