On Thursday, October 12 starting at 6 AM, the entire Columbia University campus was closed to anyone not presenting a Columbia ID at the gates following the invasion of Israel by Hamas and the announcement of protests. In the afternoon two opposing protests were held under tight security. Butler Lawn in front of Butler Library was divided into a protest organized by Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine and a protest on the other side of the lawn by Students Supporting Israel at Columbia University on the other side, separated by campus security and police. The two protests were peaceful but could not have been more different. See the captions under the photos.

The sign says “Israel still lives.” Other students hold a photo of a man kidnapped or killed during the Hamas invasion of Israel on October 6.

After a silent protest, the demonstrators sang songs.

The photo shows a young Israeli named Ilan Fiorentino who was killed by Hamas.

On the other side of Butler Lawn, the pro-Palestinian demonstration

Many of the protesters covered their faces with scarves, masks, and hijabs to prevent themselves from being identified in the media.

This woman stationed herself at the entrance to the lawn and asked members of the media not to enter the protest area to interview or photograph demonstrators.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrator chanting slogans

Demonstrator covering her face as the protesters began a march