On Monday, April 22, radio show host Sid Rosenberg hosted a press conference in front of Columbia. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Representative Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY), and Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY) spoke. Actor and comedian Michael Rapaport spoke in a separate press conference. 

Around 12 pm on April 22, Sid Rosenberg, a morning radio show host on 77 WABC, hosted a press conference on 116th and Broadway with two congressmen—Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY-4) and Mike Lawler (R-NY-17). The Executive of Nassau County Bruce Blakeman also spoke. Throughout the press conference, pro-Israel protestors were seen behind the guest speakers, holding flags and signs, one of which read “Anti-Zionism is Anti-Judiasm.”

Rosenberg started by declaring the importance of the press and that “the pro-Israel, pro-Jewish voices be heard… especially with tonight being the first night of Passover.” He stated his upset that “…people have taken over universities… promoting a group that has murdered, tortured, and raped innocent Jewish people.” He then invited his “friends in politics” to speak about “one of our finest institutions that has been taken over by terrorists.” He used the term “terrorists” to describe pro-Palestine student demonstrators.

Bruce Blakeman, the Executive of Nassau County, started by describing the demonstrators as “professional protestors [with] anti-American values.” He then criticized President Shafik, saying that she should be ashamed for not protecting students and “for letting these protesters and these thugs take over [the] university.” 

He continued to cite the protest chant “Death to Israel, Death to America,” but it is unclear where he heard this chant. There have been no confirmed reports of such chants being said at Columbia. He continued his speech by stating that these protests are not “just an attack on Jews or Israel, but an attack on democracy.” He elaborated on this statement by declaring, “We know who these people are, and we’re not going to stand for it.”

Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY) was then given time to speak; he began by stating that he “wished [they] didn’t have to be [at Columbia] because of what we’ve seen… attacking Jews, calling for the destruction of Israel.” He also mentioned that he and Congressman Mike Lawler have been working to push many pro-Israel bills across the House floor. Bwog cannot confirm reports of several Jewish people being attacked at the recent protests on campus.

He continued to criticize Shafik and the University, claiming, “If the president of this university is failing to keep students safe, well, then she shouldn’t be eligible for any federal aid coming into this university,” and insinuating he would be in favor of cutting federal funding through the House of Representatives.

D’Esposito argued that “they,” presumably referring to supporters of Israel, have the NYPD on their “side,” and then stated, “This [issue] is not a political thing. It’s not a Republican thing; it’s not a Democrat thing. [It’s the] right thing.” D’Esposito was formerly an NYPD detective, according to his website, where he notes that he made over 600 arrests during his tenure.

He then passed the podium to Lawler, who began by describing alleged incidents of anti-Jewish hate speech he had heard during a November trip to Israel. He claimed that this “level of hatred is taught,” to which D’Esposito clarified, “is taught in the schools in Gaza.” Lawler continued by arguing that the same thing is being taught in schools in America. Schools in Gaza have not been open since November, according to a UNICEF spokesperson.

Lawler also called for Shafik’s resignation, claiming that she should have had all protesting students “expelled immediately.” He brought up the previously referenced legislation and clarified that he intends to stop antisemitism on college campuses by defunding every institution of federal dollars, including student financial aid, if the University promotes or sanctions said demonstrations. 

Throughout their speeches and during questioning, all speakers restated the importance of freedom of speech and protest while also stating that  the advent of “physical assaults or threats against others is the moment you lose that right” and continued to call for those who did do so to “be held accountable, starting with arrest and expulsion for anybody that engages.” It is not clear what incident they are referring to when discussing the alleged physical assaults and threats; there have been no reports of student protesters physically attacking others.

During questioning, Bwog mentioned the pro-Palestinian student protestors, some of whom are Jewish, setting up Shabbat services on the lawn and setting up tents with “Jews 4 Palestine” signs. Bwog asked for speakers’ thoughts on claims that Columbia’s Gaza Solidarity Encampment is antisemitic. To this, the speakers reiterated the right to free speech and specifically addressed the question by claiming that “[these protestors are] entitled to have differences of opinions, but the one fact that remains is Hamas is a terrorist organization.

Lastly, they mentioned that they drafted a delegation letter demanding Shafik’s resignation, which they have since signed and sent. In addition to representatives D’Esposito and Lawler, this letter is also signed by representatives Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Nick Langworthy (R-NY), Nick LaLota (R-NY), Brandon Williams (R-NY), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), and Marcus Molinaro (R-NY). 

A few minutes later, in an alternative press event, Rosenberg introduced Michael Rapaport, an actor and comedian. He wished everyone a happy Passover and gave a speech regarding his beliefs on recent events at the University. 

“I’d never thought I’d have to be speaking on what’s going on; if this was a group of people screaming against tall, short people, Black, Spanish, Asian people, people with big noses, this would be stopped as soon as possible,” he claimed. “This is an embarrassment to New York.” He emphasized that despite the “ridiculous people across the street [on campus],” the number one priority should be “to free our hostages.” He referred to student demonstrators at the encampment  as “bullies, cowards, and pathetic lowlife scumbags.” 

He then stated that “Israel has the right to defend itself and exist” and that the country “did nothing wrong on October 7” and again called for the release of hostages. He ended his speech with a call to Jewish students, “To all you Jewish younger people, be prouder, be louder than you have ever been before about being Jewish. Nobody should be afraid of what they are in this city,” and then once again wished everybody a happy and safe Passover. 

After the speech, Bwog was able to personally ask Rapaport about his thoughts on the Jewish students who are also currently protesting at the Gaza Solidarity Encampment. After providing further information about Shabbat services held on the lawns as well as “Jews 4 Palestine” tents, Rapaport’s belief was that the current protest held on the lawns was pro-Hamas. Bwog clarified to Rapaport that many student demonstrators—and Jewish student demonstrators—on the lawns do not identify as “pro-Hamas” but “pro-Palestine,” to which he responded that those Jewish students are “confused as Jews,” calling them “traitors” and stating he was “disgusted by any Jew would march with people who support Hamas.” He continued, “Their hero is Norman Finkelstein. Norman Finkelstein is a self-hating, self-loathing, miserable con artist. Fuck Norman Finkelstein. Fuck anybody who doesn’t support and stand up for the rights of Jewish people to walk around the Upper West Side of Manhattan.” He then claimed that “if [encampment protestors] want a ceasefire, the fastest way for a ceasefire to occur is for Hamas to surrender and the hostages to be released.” 

Other Government Officials At Columbia

Today, U.S. Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Dan Goldman (D-NY), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), and Kathy Manning (D-NC) walked through Columbia’s campus today. 

The four congresspeople claimed that Columbia will “pay a price” if the University administration does not “keep [Jewish students] safe and always feel[ing] welcome.” 

Gottenheimer also cited Columbia’s low grade of “D” on the Anti-Defamation League’s report card, claiming that “even with those failing grades…[the student protests at Columbia] are a new low.” Gottenheimer continued, “We just saw it first-hand, as we walked past the encampments on the University’s main lawn full of protesters spewing incendiary antisemitic hate and vitriol.  Many aren’t even Columbia students.” 

This statement is not proven to be true. Columbia’s campus has been locked to two entrances at which security guards only allow students with swipe access to enter. 

Gottenheimer concluded his statement with, “Just feet from here, Jewish students are being verbally — and even physically — assaulted. Masked protesters are cheering on and actively calling for the genocide of Jews. Imagine trying to study for finals at Columbia, while people outside the library are calling for your death.” He addressed University administrators by advising them to “stop the double talk, and start acting. Discipline harassers. Restore civility on this campus. Encourage peaceful, constructive, civil dialogue.” 

Bwog also does not confirm that protesters were “cheering on and actively calling for the genocide” of Jewish people. Jewish students are in the encampment. 

Rosenberg via Bwog Staff