Florida Governor Ron DeSantis took a firm stand against the rising wave of anti-Zionist and antisemitic sentiments on American college campuses, in the media, and in international organizations such as the United Nations.
His comments were made during an interview on Newsmax.
DeSantis, in a clear and unapologetic tone, stated, “We are going to stand with Israel in this dark hour for them,” indicating his unwavering support for the Jewish state.
“You may have a right to say certain things, but that’s material support to terrorism if you’re saying you’re part of what they’re doing, so we deactivated the Students for Justice in Palestine and were the first state to step up to the plate and do that,” DeSantis told host Newsmax Rita Cosby.
“I was the first candidate to say that if you have foreign visa holders out there making common cause with Hamas, I’m canceling their visa, and I’m sending them back,” DeSantis added. “That’s the bare minimum.
In the news: U.S. Expands Efforts To Cut Off Hamas Funding Amid Middle East Conflict
His comments came amidst increasing tensions in the Middle East and the spread of anti-Israel sentiments in various American institutions.
DeSantis, who is currently campaigning for the presidency, made these remarks before addressing the Republican Jewish Coalition Conference in Las Vegas.
He praised Florida’s efforts in curbing the support for Hamas, a militant group engaged in conflict with Israel.
DeSantis highlighted the actions taken by the state of Florida to revoke the “privilege” of foreign Florida college students supporting Hamas, citing this as “material support to terrorism.”
He said, “You may have a right to say certain things, but that’s material support to terrorism if you’re saying you’re part of what they’re doing.”
The governor further took a stand against foreign visa holders who support Hamas, stating that their visas would be canceled and they would be sent back.
He emphasized that being in the United States on a student visa is a privilege, not a right, and those who align themselves with terrorism forfeit that privilege.
In the news: GOP Primary Contenders Largely Silent On How They’d Crack Down On Country Supporting Hamas Terrorists
DeSantis also addressed the spread of anti-Israel narratives on college campuses, a problem he noted has been building for a long time. He expressed his concern about the increase in left-wing activism in universities, particularly those in the Ivy League.
He condemned the celebration of terrorist attacks by students and questioned why American taxpayers should fund universities that promote such narratives.
DeSantis criticized progressive institutions, particularly those in the Ivy League, for their inadequate response to antisemitism. He termed the administrators’ response as “pathetic” and called for more decisive action against such behavior.
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