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University of California-Berkeley grads disrupt commencement with anti-Israel protests

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University of California-Berkeley grads disrupt commencement with anti-Israel protests


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The commencement ceremony held by University of California, Berkeley was interrupted by hundreds of anti-Israel protesters on Saturday morning.

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Most of the protesters were graduating students, wearing caps and gowns. Pictures show hundreds of students wearing keffiyehs, waving Palestinian flags and holding signage denouncing the Israeli government.

The interruptions follow weeks of unrest at U.S. universities over the Israel-Hamas war, leading to thousands of students protesting in opposition to Israel.

“Viva viva Palestina,” another group was heard chanting during a speech on Saturday. Some sections were completely full of protesters, while others were more scattered.

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Pro-Palestinian students chants in protest during the UC Berkeley commencement ceremony in Berkeley, Calif., Saturday, May 11, 2024.  (Getty Images)

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Protesters were also heard yelling the controversial chant, “Palestine will be free / From the river to the sea.” The phrase has been widely deemed antisemitic and even caused U.S. members of congress to pass a resolution condemning the use of the chant.

A video posted to social media showed a group of students holding up Palestinian flags and clapping while shouting, “End, end, the occupation.” One section was seen holding a giant Israeli flag as a counter-protest.

UC Berkeley told Fox News Digital that there were no violent incidents or arrests at the ceremony.

“The protesters left the stadium voluntarily. There was no violence. No one was arrested. The ceremony proceeded as planned,” a university spokesperson explained.

“UC Berkeley strives to celebrate the achievements of our graduates in a safe and respectful environment. While today’s commencement was, at times, unfortunately disrupted, it did not prevent us from honoring the hard work and accomplishments of our students,” the spokesperson added.

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Speeches went on despite disruptions continuing, but speakers occasionally acknowledged the rowdy sections. Sydney Roberts, president of the Associated Students of the University of California, was interrupted during her speech but continued on after the brief disruption.

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“This wouldn’t be Berkeley without a protest,” she said, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Attendees hold a flag of Israel in counter-protest as Pro-Palestinian students protest during the UC Berkeley commencement ceremony in Berkeley, Calif., Saturday, May 11, 2024.  (Photo by Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

The Chronicle also reported that UC Berkeley Chancellor Carol Christ commended the anti-Israel protesters.

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“They feel passionately about the brutality and the violence in Gaza, tens of thousands of Palestinians killed and the destruction of educational institutions,” she reportedly said of the students’ weeks-long encampment.

Before the protests erupted at the commencement ceremony, graduating students told FOX 2 in San Francisco that they felt accustomed to protests and did not expect any to get out of hand.

“I know the media might be talking about these protests happening and that it’s disrupting life, but that’s one part of it,” student Kathan Saah told FOX 2. “Life goes on normally, and we try to accommodate the protesters and listen to them.”

“But as long as things don’t get out of hand, it’s fine. We haven’t seen that happen here so it’s been a pretty peaceful situation overall.”

Student graduates hold white t-shirts stating the message, “divest,” as they protest during the UC Berkeley graduation held at California Memorial Stadium following weeks of pro-Palestinian protests in Berkeley, Calif. on Saturday, May 11, 2024. (Photo by Yalonda M. James/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

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Another student speculated that the commencement would attract protesters, but predicted it would be tame.

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“If something happened at graduation, I don’t think it would be violent,” Reece Murphy said to FOX 2. “It would happen in a manner that is perfectly appropriate, and if someone feels strongly enough to express themselves during their graduation, they should be heard.”



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California crews race to avoid toxic chemical tank explosion

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California crews race to avoid toxic chemical tank explosion


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Crews have been working through the weekend to cool a chemical tank and stop it from exploding in Southern California as they worked to avert a disastrous “worst-case” scenario, the incident’s commander said. NBC News’ Steve Patterson reports.

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‘Baby killer:’ California hotel staffer fired after harassing Israeli guests | The Jerusalem Post

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‘Baby killer:’ California hotel staffer fired after harassing Israeli guests | The Jerusalem Post


A former California hotel staffer claims that he was fired on Friday after harassing Israeli guests and publishing footage of the incident, but the hotel said on Saturday that he had resigned.

A hotel staffer, identifying as Ryan Smith on a GoFundMe fundraiser, said in a Thursday Instagram post that he had said “free Palestine” to a pair of Israeli guests at the Oceanpoint Ranch in Cambria.

An Israeli woman confronted him, according to the video published by Smith, telling him that he should be “completely objective” to paying guests.
 
Smith expressed shock when the guest said that she was a Zionist after he had used it as a slur, and then demanded to know if her partner had served in the IDF.

“Are you a baby killer?” asked Smith.

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A screenshot of the harrasser’s GoFundMe. (credit: GoFundMe.com/Screenshot)

The Israeli man said that he refused to interact with the hotel staffer and continued on, but his partner expressed concern about staying at a hotel where he worked.

Called for others to “give them hell”

“I won’t stay here, certainly he’ll break into our room and do something,” the woman said in Hebrew.

Smith claimed on Instagram that the woman threatened to call the police because “the only thing these cowards can do is hide behind the pedo[phile] regime that runs the country.”

Alongside the video, Smith called for others to “give them hell” if one saw them in California, and that if he “could’ve he would’ve.”

“I’ve never stared into the soul of the devil like I did tonight,” wrote Smith. “The woman (dual citizen of Israel) proceeds to confront me after I see [sic] ‘free Palestine’ as they leave the lobby. She then takes a step further and proceeds to admit to being a Zionist.”

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Smith later opened a fundraiser, claiming that he had been “let go” from his job, and asked for donations to support him while he sought new employment. As of Sunday morning, Smith raised $11,773 dollars.

“The world needs to be set free, and I believe peace and love will overcome,” Smith said on his fundraiser web page.

The Oceanpoint Ranch did not immediately respond to a query from The Jerusalem Post, but said in a Saturday social media post that Smith had “unilaterally resigned” from his position after the hotel opened an investigation into the incident.

“The events in the video do not reflect the professionalism and hospitality that our team members are trained to deliver to all our valued guests,” said Oceanpoint Ranch.

“Our team remains committed to fostering a respectful environment for all of our guests, employees, and community.”

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Letters to the Editor: The purpose of California’s journalism fund isn’t just protecting its biggest players

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Letters to the Editor: The purpose of California’s journalism fund isn’t just protecting its biggest players


To the editor: The role of government is not to pick winners and losers in journalism, which is precisely why the California Civic Media Program was designed with independent safeguards from the outset (“Ensure that California’s journalism fund supports key players,” May 18). Funding decisions will ultimately be made by an independent third-party administrator, not by state officials or political appointees.

The program also followed the Legislature’s direction in the creation of a nine-member advisory committee, which has continuously emphasized expanding access to local, ethnic and community media, particularly in underserved communities and regions with limited local news coverage — goals enshrined in the program’s statute. Furthermore, it says the advisory board “may consider” awarding funds based on the number of journalists an organization employs — but in no way requires it.

The purpose of the California Civic Media Program was never simply to preserve the state’s largest publishers, although they are critical. It was to help close information gaps, strengthen newsroom sustainability and ensure more Californians have access to accurate, well-sourced local reporting that empowers participation in civic life and builds stronger communities across the state. At a time when local journalism is struggling nationwide, California is working hard to help sustain and strengthen it for future generations.

Dee Dee Myers, Sacramento
This writer is director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.

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