Israel-Hamas war protests on college campuses are a challenge for Biden

• College protests challenge Biden.
• Students protest the atrocities in Gaza.
• How will it affect the presidential campaign?

Student protests over the war in Gaza have created a new and unpredictable challenge for Joe Biden.

The president has resisted calls to halt U.S. support for Israel and at the same time is trying to keep together the coalition of voters he will need for re-election.

The protests at Columbia University in New York and other campuses have captured global attention.

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College protests challenge Biden

Biden’s handling of the Middle East conflict is being closely watched by Jewish and Arab American voters in crucial swing states.

In the best-case scenario for Biden, the protests are a temporary distraction.

Meanwhile, the White House is pressing ahead with negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas.

At the same time, it is pressuring Israel to limit the casualties that have already exceeded 34,000 Palestinian deaths.

Is the worst yet to come?

In the worst-case scenario, the protests will continue building momentum toward the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August.

This has the potential to trigger scenes of violence that could recall the unrest of the Vietnam War protests in 1968.

«If it ends with Columbia, that’s one thing,» said Angus Johnston, a historian focused on campus activism.

Johnston said that, «If this sends the national student movement to a new place, that’s a very different situation.»

How are the student protests affecting Biden?

Biden’s advisers have already had to work to minimize disruption caused by anti-war protesters.

For now, they have held smaller campaign events where they have strictly controlled access.

Protesters forced his motorcade to change route toward the Capitol on his way to deliver the State of the Union address.

A red substance symbolizing blood was thrown near his home in Delaware.

The protests could escalate in the spring

Morehouse College said Tuesday that Biden would appear on the iconic historically Black campus in May.

The president would give a speech at the graduation ceremony, which may spark protests.

Separately, more than 100 pro-Palestinian protesters camping in Columbia were arrested this Thursday.

Also, dozens of people were arrested on other campuses and many now face charges of trespassing or disorderly conduct.

An alarming rise in anti-Semitism

Some people have reported anti-Semitic chants and messages on and around Columbia’s campus.

As if that were not enough, similar concerns have been reported in other universities, according to The Associated Press.

Some Jewish students say they feel unsafe on campus.

The White House denounced what they called an «alarming rise» in anti-Semitism.