Syracuse, NY — Syracuse University fraternity and sorority members shouted and played national anthems in a counter-protest Saturday afternoon when pro-Palestine demonstrators came to march in support of an encampment on campus.
The pro-Palestinian group – about 45 Syracuse residents and students – gathered at Walnut Park at about 3 pm to march in support of the Syracuse University students who put up the encampment Monday in support of Palestinians in Gaza.
About 20 students, many with US and Israeli flags, arrived as a counter protest.
Students at a nearby fraternity blared the Israeli and American anthems and the sound of dogs barking. Students with American flags stood next to the protesters screaming for them to leave. Cars drove by blaring music and hanging out windows screaming obscenities.
A group of sorority sisters stood on a front porch and yelled for protesters to leave. Some fraternity members yelled and made obscene gestures toward the protesters.
Syracuse University police arrived at one point and some of the loud music and anthems stopped.
The pro-Palestinian marchers walked to the encampment, marched around it and later dispersed just before 4:30 pm
The encampment at SU was set up Monday. It follows dozens of others that have sprung up on college campuses, sometimes leading to clashes with police and administrators.
The protests have been peaceful at SU. Jewish students are among some of the students at the encampment.
Gazan officials have said more than 34,000 people have been killed in Israel’s attempt to dislodge the leadership of Hamas, the extremist group governing the territory. Fighters from Hamas and other groups launched a surprise attack last October on southern Israel, killing an estimated 1,200 people and taking roughly 200 hostages of varying nationalities.
Staff writer Rylee Kirk covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, photo, question or comment? Reach her at 315-396-5961, on Twitter @kirk_rylee, or [email protected].
