Grand Canyon Times

Arizona Senator Anthony Kern criticized Arizona State University (ASU) for hosting a pro-Palestinian rally in the wake of Hamas's attack on Israel over the weekend, which resulted in significant casualties.

"The school supports this on campus. Your tax dollars at work," said Senator Kern.

The Arizona State University chapter of the National Students for Justice in Palestine (NSJP) organized a rally in support of Palestine and in favor of the recent Hamas attacks. The rally took place last Sunday at Tempe Beach Park, and similar rallies are planned on other college campuses, including Butler University, University of Louisville, University of Birmingham, the University of Virginia, and more, organized by their respective NSJP chapters.

Hamas, an Islamist militant group and terrorist organization, initiated airstrikes on the Gaza Strip during the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War. Many airstrikes were launched at various parts of Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The resulting casualties have exceeded a thousand deaths and thousands of injuries, with more anticipated. Among the victims, at least 25 were American citizens. Israel responded by declaring war on Hamas.

The ASU rally has drawn criticism from various individuals. Clay Robins, Communications Coordinator for Winged Victory Agency and ASU Grad, expressed concern for Jewish students at ASU in a post on the X platform, saying, "Imagine being a Jewish student at ASU and your classmates are cheering on the slaughter of your people."

Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, also voiced his disapproval, stating, "ASU is now proudly hosting groups that sympathize with terrorists who murder and rape Jews, just months after they tried to kick me and Dennis Prager off campus! Remember, nine out of ten times, the radicals are the very thing they accuse you of being. Hamas, BLM, the 'decolonizer' movement: When you boil them down, it's just white genocide or Jewish genocide, or both. Defund ASU."

It's worth noting that earlier this year, ASU underwent an investigation over freedom of speech due to the "Health, Wealth, and Happiness" event organized by the Lewis Center at the Barrett Honors College. The fallout from the event led to job losses for those involved in its organization.

ASU has not yet responded to Senator Kern's criticism.