Pro-Palestinian Student: ‘We Need to Stand Up Against Zionism’

A Columbia University student expressed support for violence against Zionists in a video that surfaced in January.

In the video that emerged on Thursday, Khymani James stated, “Zionists don’t deserve to live.”

He went on to say, “Be grateful that I’m not just going out and murdering Zionists.”

The comments were made around the time James was facing scrutiny from school officials for a social media post about fighting a Zionist, as reported by The Hill on Friday. In the post, James wrote, “I don’t fight to injure or for there to be a winner or a loser, I fight to kill.”

On Friday, James issued a statement in which he recanted his remarks. He apologized for his words and expressed support for the Palestinian liberation movement.

James also blamed “far right agitators” for editing and circulating the video out of context. He mentioned feeling targeted due to his queer and Black identities.

The incident has reignited the debate about antisemitism at Columbia University, where protests have been ongoing. The protests have intensified following Israel’s military response in the Gaza Strip to Hamas’ terrorist attack.

A spokesperson for Columbia University emphasized that calls for violence based on religious, ethnic, or national identity are unacceptable and violate university policy.