Columbia University Access Restricted Amid Israel-Hamas War Protests

MORNINGSIDE HEIGHTS, NY - Access to Columbia University’s Morningside Heights campus will be restricted to valid ID holders only until further notice, according to a university memo.

The new restriction, which went into effect 6 a.m. Thursday, is in place to “help maintain safety and a sense of community through planned demonstration activities,” according to a memo signed by a University Facilities and Operations official.

A “Call To Action For Palestine” student protest is planned at Columbia University’s Low Library Steps at 4:30 p.m. Thursday. It’s organized by Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine.

The restriction also comes amid numerous violent incidents reported this week, apparently inspired by the bloody conflict between Israel and Hamas. Read more: Israel-Hamas War Inspires Violent NYC Street Attacks: Cops, Reports

On Wednesday, a Columbia University student from Israel was assaulted with a stick in front of Butler Library, authorities said. Read more: Israeli Columbia Student Assaulted With Stick On Campus

Faculty, students and staff must bring their CUID and present it to public safety at the following gates to access the campus:

• North and South Pedestrian Gates at 116th St. and Broadway
• South Pedestrian Gate at 116th St. and Amsterdam
• North Pedestrian Gate at 116th St. and Amsterdam (disability access only)
• Wien Hall Pedestrian Gate (116th St. between Amsterdam and Morningside Drive)

All other access points to the campus will be closed until further notice.

At least three other violent incidents inspired by growing tensions related to the war were reported overnight in New York City.

All three incidents — which included an 18-year-old Palestinian man who was beaten by a group of attackers who waved Israeli flags from a car — unfolded over the span of hours Wednesday night in Brooklyn.

They also came after NYPD officials ordered all officers to appear in uniform in anticipation of upcoming mass protests Friday in support of Palestinians, the New York Post reported.