Biden tries to have it both ways by condemning ‘anti-Semitic protests’ on college campuses AND people who ‘don’t understand’ the Palestinian situation

President Joe Biden walked a fine line Monday when asked if he had a message for protesters and whether he condemned the anti-Semitic protests on college campuses.

Biden left an Earth Day event at Prince William Forest Park in Triangle, Virginia, after appearing with a trio of progressive lawmakers: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sens. Bernie Sanders and Ed Markey.

In opening for Biden, AOC had applauded the university demonstrations — though they remained tight-lipped about anti-Semitic rhetoric aimed at Jewish students, especially at Columbia University in New York.

‘I condemn the anti-Semitic protests. That’s why I’ve put in place a program to deal with that,” Biden said. “I also condemn those who do not understand what is going on with the Palestinians,” he added, leaving his thought unfinished as a reporter asked another question.

One of the best Jewish groups on Columbia’s campus said in a social media post On Sunday, Jewish students are being targeted by protesters who tell them to “go back to Poland” and “stop killing children.”

Protesters in Columbia have created a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus, arresting more than 100 people during sit-ins last week

On Monday morning, Columbia’s embattled president, Nemat “Minouche” Shafik, announced that classes would be held virtually and an on-campus rabbi encouraged Jewish students to return home for their safety.

Asked whether Shafik should resign, Biden replied: “I’ll have to find out more about it.”

On Monday, billionaire alum Robert Kraft announced he would withdraw his financial support from the university due to the anti-Israel demonstrations.

“The school I love so much – the one that welcomed me and provided me with so many opportunities – is no longer an institution I recognize,” the New England Patriots owner said. “I am deeply saddened by the virulent hatred that continues to grow on campus and across our country.”

Last week, more than a hundred students were arrested on Wednesday and Thursday for participating in sit-ins, but by Friday the students had returned to their ‘solidarity camp in Gaza’.

One of those arrested and subsequently suspended was the daughter of fellow squad member Rep. Ilhan Omar.

The president and the so-called Squad, which includes AOC, have failed to agree on the issue of Israel in the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas terror attack.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (left) praised pro-Palestinian protesters Monday at an Earth Day event in Virginia as she opened for President Joe Biden (right). A number of anti-Semitic incidents were recorded during the Columbia University protests this weekend

“You know, I learned a long time ago: Listen to that lady, listen to that lady,” President Joe Biden (left) told the Earth Day crowd about AOC (right). He also said: ‘We’re going to talk more about another part of the world too soon’ – hinting that they might talk about the Middle East

President Joe Biden (center) during an Earth Day event at Prince William Forest Park in Triangle, Virginia, alongside (from left) Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Senator Bernie Sanders, Za’Nyia Kelly and Senator Ed Markey

President Joe Biden (right) took the trio of lawmakers home. He walked into the Oval Office next to Senator Bernie Sanders (center) and followed by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (left) and Senator Ed Markey (not pictured)

But Biden and AOC are working together on climate change initiatives.

That brought her to Monday’s Earth Day event, where she said Biden’s federal investment in climate change came about through the “power of organizing” — bringing together “young people, climate advocates, labor organizers and working people of all backgrounds.”

“It is especially important that we remember the power of young people who are shaping this country today, every day, as we once again witness the leadership of those peaceful, student-led protests on campuses like Columbia, Yale, Berkeley and many others,” Ocasio said. – said Cortez.

Moments later, Biden took the stage and praised AOC, telling the audience, “You know, I learned a long time ago: Listen to that lady, listen to that lady.”

“We’re going to talk more about another part of the world too soon,” he said – hinting that they would talk about the Middle East after the official program ended.

The two were seen huddled together and then walked off stage holding hands.

Ocasio-Cortez, Sanders and Markey accompanied Biden back to the White House, aboard the presidential helicopter Marine One, and walked into the Oval Office as a group.