New Haven: A group of over 200 Yale students staged an overnight protest on Beinecke Plaza, erecting tents in opposition to a scheduled appearance by far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir at Shabtai, a private Jewish society unaffiliated with the university.
According to Anadolu Agency, the protest began at 6 p.m. (2200GMT) with approximately 25 students wearing ribbons and listening to musical performances, as reported by Yale Daily News. The gathering quickly grew, and by 9:30 p.m. (0130GMT), eight tents had been set up in violation of university rules prohibiting unauthorized structures. A protest organizer announced through a megaphone, "We're here, and we're staying the night."
Ben-Gvir, known for his controversial role in Israeli politics, is visiting the US for the first time, with planned stops in New Haven and New York. His visit has sparked a series of demonstrations at Yale, including concerns over Israel's actions in Gaza and the university's connections to military contractors. The timing also coincides with Bulldogs Days, Yale's major event for over 1,300 admitted students.
Shabtai founder and real estate developer Shmully Hecht, who invited Ben-Gvir, defended the invitation, stating that events like this maintain Yale as a moderate safe space for Jews amidst the current Ivy community's extremism. Meanwhile, Assistant Vice President for University Life Pilar Montalvo visited the protest but declined to comment. She, along with a Free Expression Facilitator, distributed cards warning students of potential disciplinary actions for violating campus rules.
A spokesperson for the Sumud Coalition, a campus pro-Palestinian group, stated that the protest was an independent action by students objecting to Ben-Gvir's presence and Yale's lack of response. The coalition clarified they were not affiliated with the encampment.
The protest was closely monitored by at least eight Yale police officers and several public safety officials, while counter-protesters observed and recorded the event.