Tools
Change country:

A Gaza Protester Who’s Willing to Suffer

The protesters on university campuses have an image problem: They look like they are having way too much fun. In tone, the demonstrations do not match the subject matter, which they allege is genocide, the least fun of all human activities. For 20-year-olds, some activities that would be miserable to a normal person—screaming hysterically, being arrested, living in ragged encampments—are in fact an exhilarating way to spend one’s time, and certainly preferable to studying for exams. Young people like to rough it, within reason. Earlier this month, the protesters at the University of Chicago begged to be resupplied with dwindling essentials such as Chapstick and dental dams.

Most universities have delayed threats of serious punishment. Even students who are eventually arrested are likely to suffer only minor blemishes to their records. And many of these blemishes are desirable: What better way to prove you were young and alive in 2024 than to have a framed mug shot from the day you were zip-tied and booked? Such mementos will have an honored place on the desks of protesters who someday follow a square occupation, like corporate law or podiatry.

Fun does not discredit a cause, but a protester who enjoys himself has a harder time demonstrating his commitment than one willing to suffer. This weekend I spoke with one of the latter. David Chmielewski, a Princeton English major from Torrington, Connecticut, along with 11 other Princeton community members, spent 10 days on a hunger strike to call for the university to divest from Israel. “We wanted to commit ourselves to making clear how dire the situation is, with the forced famine that’s happening in the Gaza Strip,” Chmielewski said. He and the others consumed nothing but water, electrolytes, and necessary medicine. “There’s something very powerful about being able to use your body to show that commitment.” He said the group stopped on Saturday after talks with Princeton administrators yielded promising results.

[Michael Powell: The unreality of Columbia’s ‘liberated zone’]

Many have ridiculed the hunger strikers for the short duration of their fast, and for not emerging from the ordeal sallow and hollow-cheeked. (“PROTESTER WHINES OVER SELF-IMPOSED HUNGER STRIKE,” read the chyron on a Fox News broadcast.) Ten days isn’t long, but it is nine days longer than I’ve ever gone without food, so I am not inclined to downplay the unpleasantness of the experience. In fact, I respect Chmielewski. And just as it is important to ridicule protesters who have no idea what they are protesting, or who infringe on the rights of others, or who hate Jews, one should acknowledge when others press their cause, whatever its merit, in a morally faultless way.

Chmielewski said his group was inspired by hunger strikers earlier this year at Brown (where the strike lasted eight days), at Dartmouth (where it lasted 12 days), and at Harvard (half a day). “We’re also drawing on a longer tradition of the hunger strike as a nonviolent-resistance tactic,” he told me, citing the Irish-republican hunger strikes of the 1920s and those of Gandhi and others in the movement for Indian independence. The Princeton protesters, he said, have had weeks to evolve in their tactics, without having been wiped out by clashes with police. “Other student groups may not have been afforded that luxury of time,” Chmielewski said. “We’ve had a lot of time to sit and reflect on what we can do to pressure the university but also to center Palestinians.”

The language of “centering”—borrowed from the feminist theory of bell hooks and others—refers to the practice of giving credence and priority to the views of those historically ignored or victimized. It is in my opinion misguided, insofar as history’s victims are like history’s oppressors: human, and therefore flawed to the core and wrong about most things. And in the case of the Palestinians, the practice of “centering” seems to introduce a contradiction. Was it not odd, I asked Chmielewski, that centering the Palestinian perspective would lead him to adopt tactics that have never attracted a significant following among Palestinians?

Chmielewski countered that Palestinian political prisoners have gone on hunger strikes by the thousands at various points in the past few decades. That’s true, but many of those striking were doing so only because they were in prison for violent crimes, and nonviolence had become the only option available. Nonviolent resistance as a preferred tactic remains rare—and rejected completely by Hamas—even though a growing literature in political science (particularly the work of Erica Chenoweth and the late Gene Sharp) has demonstrated that it is often very effective. It is less effective when allied with organized armed resistance. Chmielewski’s peers seem content with such an alliance. “Glory to the martyrs,” his Princeton group declared in a recent social-media post. “The empire will burn.”

The question of why Palestinians have shown conspicuously little interest in the tactic that he himself has adopted is, Chmielewski told me, “better asked of a Palestinian.” “I don’t necessarily feel qualified to speak to the exact reasons for the dynamics of what tactics Palestinians have adopted historically,” he said. He was, I should add, smart and articulate, and one reason I liked him was his willingness to admit ignorance. Another was that unlike many other protesters, he did not hide behind a mask and committed himself to his cause by name.

His conclusion from the experience was not narrowly about hunger in Gaza at all. “I’m not sure I know the right word” for what he experienced by not eating, he told me. “Spiritual? Poetic? Imaginative?” He said the hunger strike, although nominally about his university’s divestment, gave him a sense that “another world is possible, because you’re refraining from material needs. Everyone tells you you need these material things. But then stepping away from them gives you this permission to imagine other possibilities for existing in the world. It gives you permission to imagine a better world, because it’s taking you a step back from this world of … raw materiality.”

I sensed that he was getting what one should get from one’s time at university: an education. Maybe it was the ketosis talking. (Several days of not eating can leave one giddy, even energetic.) I came away persuaded less by his cause than by his dedication and the worthiness of nonviolence as a tactic of first resort. I hope there will be more who practice it—in Princeton, Gaza, and Israel.


Read full article on: theatlantic.com
Alexandra Daddario welcomes first baby with husband Andrew Form, his third
The actress became the stepmom to Form's two children with ex-wife Jordana Brewster when they wed in 2022. She previously suffered a miscarriage.
nypost.com
Kylie Jenner goes nude channeling Demi Moore in ‘Striptease’ for Halloween — and Moore loves it: ‘Nailed it’
Moore gave her seal of approval.
nypost.com
Giants’ Malik Nabers not concerned about costly drops: ‘Can’t control it’
Malik Nabers knows there will be games like Monday’s, when Daniel Jones — or whoever is his quarterback — throws a ball and he drops it.
nypost.com
A 'very different scenario' for the House of Representatives elections in 2024
While Republicans are favored to win the Senate, the outcome for the House is uncertain. Fox News' Chad Pergram shares his thoughts on 2024's Congressional races.
foxnews.com
Knicks can unlock offense by adhering to 3-point plan
The 3-pointer has become such an efficient shot that launching fewer in mass is a recipe for the draft lottery.
nypost.com
Yiatin Chu and other Post endorsements in key NY state Senate, Assembly races
Republicans’ goal for the Legislature this year is mainly to win “super-minorities” in the Senate and Assembly.
nypost.com
Group of illegals used blowtorches, cellphone jammers and disguises to rob banks across multiple states: feds
A federal grand jury returned an indictment against 11 foreign nationals for using blowtorches and cellphone jammers to rob banks and ATMs across several states.
foxnews.com
Kamala Harris’ abortion lies: Here’s what she and Trump can — and CAN’T — do
Abortion rights do not hinge on who is elected president, or on which party controls Congress. The issue is out of their hands.
nypost.com
Mark Cuban tries to 'clarify' after comment on 'The View' widely seen as insult toward pro-Trump women
Billionaire Mark Cuban turned to social media Thursday afternoon in what appeared to be an attempt to spin his way out of remarks toward pro-Trump women.
foxnews.com
After pilot error, F-35 fighter jet flew for 11 minutes on its own before crashing
The F-35 pilot made the wrong decision in ejecting, according to a report released Thursday, considering the F-35 "continued to fly for an extended period after ejection."
cbsnews.com
The 2024 choice on taxes: Harris would boost them — Trump, lower them
If you’d like more cash in your pocket and an economy fired up by tax cuts, then Donald Trump is your man hands down.
nypost.com
A statement from 60 Minutes
60 Minutes is sharing the following statement regarding former President Donald Trump's lawsuit against CBS.
cbsnews.com
How Israelis see the U.S. election
With Israel at war in Gaza and in Lebanon, and led by the most right-wing government in its modern history, the Middle East is closely watching the results of the U.S. election, which could determine U.S. foreign policy in the region. Holly Williams spoke to Israelis about their perspective of the November election.
cbsnews.com
Illegal immigrant faces hate crime, terrorism charges in shooting of Jewish man in Chicago
An illegal migrant is facing felony terrorism and hate crime charges after authorities say he shot a Jewish man who was walking to a synagogue.
foxnews.com
Alonso Ruizpalacios nos mete en las entrañas de ‘La cocina’
La nueva película del director de ‘Güeros’ se estrena este fin de semana en Los Ángeles
latimes.com
Jets’ Thomas Morstead dresses up as Jeff Ulrbich in spot-on Halloween costume
They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery, and if that’s the case then Thomas Morstead did one heck of a job on Halloween. 
nypost.com
Country sensation Oliver Anthony leaving industry one year after meteoric rise to start traveling ministry
Country star Oliver Anthony, who rose to fame last year with his song "Rich Men North of Richmond," said this week that he's leaving the music industry to become a traveling minister.
foxnews.com
Cowboys stars omit Dak Prescott when listing top quarterbacks in NFL
Dallas Cowboys stars Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs listed their top quarterbacks in the league and failed to mention their own, Dak Prescott.
foxnews.com
Harris makes final campaign push in West
Vice President Kamala Harris was campaigning in two critical battleground western states Thursday, hoping Latino voters can help deliver Arizona and Nevada. Polls show that Harris narrowly trails former President Donald Trump in the Grand Canyon State, where his campaign has run advertising criticizing her on immigration and inflation. Kris Van Cleave has the latest.
cbsnews.com
"Pivotal races that could determine control of the House "
Republicans currently hold a slim 220-212 majority in the House, and a few dozen tight races could decide which party will boost or slow a Trump or Harris presidency, with about a third of those in New York and California. Scott MacFarlane has more.
cbsnews.com
Trump says he will "protect women" whether they "like it or not"
While campaigning in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, former President Donald Trump told a crowd that "whether the women like it or not, I'm going to protect them.'" Vice President Kamala Harris called the remarks "offensive to women." Nikole Killion reports.
cbsnews.com
"CBS Evening News" headlines for Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024
Here's a look at the top stories making headlines on the "CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell."
cbsnews.com
Sabrina Ionescu suffered a high-grade UCL tear in shooting hand in WNBA Finals
Sabrina Ionescu, the Liberty’s star guard, was playing through a high-grade UCL tear in her right shooting hand during Games 4 and 5 of the WNBA Finals. 
nypost.com
Authorities warn ballot box arson suspect could strike again
State and federal officials warned that the suspect behind ballot box arson attacks in Oregon and Washington could strike again. They also said they are still looking for a motive after hundreds of ballots were damaged or destroyed. CBS News homeland security and justice reporter Nicole Sganga has the latest.
cbsnews.com
Braelon Allen’s rookie contributions a Jets rarity in trying season
The most difficult part of Braelon Allen’s rookie season with the Jets is the same challenge that veterans are facing on the team — how poorly they have played. 
nypost.com
Trump camp says it’s on victory’s ‘verge’ five days before the election
Former President Donald Trump routinely declares he’s leading in the swing states “by a lot.” His top pollster is backing that up via data with just days to go before the election. Tony Fabrizio contends, “Trump’s position nationally and in every single Battleground State is SIGNIFICANTLY better today than it was 4 years ago,” saying...
nypost.com
LeBron James officially endorses Kamala Harris for president: ‘Choice is clear’
The Lakers superstar took to social media on Thursday evening to share his views.
nypost.com
Trump says "shame on you" to people who voted against him
Former President Donald Trump said "if you voted against me shame on you" at a New Mexico rally on Thursday after criticizing President Biden's "garbage" comment. CBS News political reporter Zak Hudak and CBS News national correspondent Kris Van Cleave follow the Trump campaign and Vice President Kamala Harris' pre-election moves.
cbsnews.com
Magnitude 2.9 earthquake registered in Los Angeles
A magnitude 2.9 earthquake was reported Thursday at 3:59 p.m. in Los Angeles, according to the U.S.
latimes.com
Iran’s Ayatollah orders retaliatory attack against Israel after IDF strike deemed too big to ignore: report
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has instructed his forces to prepare a direct attack against Israel after deeming the Jewish nation's retaliatory strike last week too big to ignore.
nypost.com
Trump takes all but one swing state thanks to strong black support: polls
Could the presidential election’s battleground states ultimately be as uncompetitive as the just-wrapped World Series? That’s the question prompted by a fresh slate of Atlas Intel swing-state surveys that shows Donald Trump on track for 287 electoral votes if the projections translate into reality Tuesday. And key to the former president’s performance in these polls...
nypost.com
In scramble to flip another district blue, Democrats hope Rep. Kiley is too MAGA for Sacramento suburbs
California Democrats are promoting Jessica Morse as they scramble to turn District 3 from red to blue in a bid for control of Congress.
latimes.com
College students in battleground states sound off on 2024 race
College voters could help swing the election in battleground states. Puck News partner Peter Hamby, who has been on a tour talking to students about how they view the 2024 presidential candidates, joins "America Decides" to share what he heard this week at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.
cbsnews.com
Stevie Nicks doesn't have many regrets, but waiting until 70 to vote is one of them
Stevie Nicks, who has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, admits she never voted until she was 70. 'I regret that.'
1 h
latimes.com
Karl-Anthony Towns dealing with sprained wrist in Knicks injury worry
Karl-Anthony’s breakthrough performance came with a price. 
1 h
nypost.com
Young Thug pleads guilty to gang, drug and gun charges in long and winding RICO trial
Young Thug's stop-and-go racketeering trial may soon be over after nearly a year and several twists. The Atlanta rapper just pleaded guilty to several charges.
1 h
latimes.com
Could Trump's garbage truck stunt appeal to undecided voters?
In Wisconsin on Wednesday night, former President Donald Trump got behind the wheel of a garbage truck "in honor of Kamala and Joe Biden." He seized on the president's remark where he appeared to call the Republican's supporters "garbage," something the White House has denied. Political strategists Joel Payne and Lance Trover join "America Decides" to assess if the stunt could move the needle for Trump's campaign.
1 h
cbsnews.com
Watch Live: New York City’s Halloween Parade 2024
Get a front-row seat to see New York City’s craziest creatures of the night with a live stream of the 51st Village Halloween Parade from lower Manhattan at 7pm ET. This year’s theme is “Meow!” with a focus on celebrating our feline friends.
1 h
nypost.com
The NFL’s Most Annoying Celebrity Is About to Make Himself Irrelevant
We may all soon finally be free of this man.
1 h
slate.com
Dodgers' Freddie Freeman was dealing with more than an ankle injury on way to World Series MVP
The Los Angeles Dodgers' Freddie Freeman wasn't just dealing with a bad ankle sprain this postseason. He also had a rib injury that usually takes months to heal.
1 h
foxnews.com
Where the early vote stands 5 days from Election Day
More than 60 million voters have cast their ballots early this year. So what do we know about this big slice of the electorate who've already made their decision? Partisan polling experts Tom Bonier and John Couvillion join "America Decides" to examine what the early voter numbers say about the state of the 2024 race.
1 h
cbsnews.com
Josh Stein on the state of the North Carolina gubernatorial race
Roy Cooper's eight-year tenure as the governor of North Carolina comes to an end in two months. Josh Stein, the Democratic candidate running to fill his shoes who currently serves as the state's attorney general, joins "America Decides" to discuss how the race is shaping up five days from Election Day.
1 h
cbsnews.com
‘Teams are circling’ on Giannis Antetokounmpo amid Bucks’ slow start
A dreadful start to the season in Milwaukee already has the sharks circling in the water over the team’s superstar. 
1 h
nypost.com
'Here' takes the elements of a 'Gump' reunion and flattens them into faux-cosmic tedium
Tom Hanks and Robin Wright rejoin filmmaker Robert Zemeckis for a stunty, pointless drama about the passing of time captured from one fixed vantage point.
1 h
latimes.com
New Conservative Poll Shows Key Shift for Donald Trump
Trump has improved on his lead in Georgia, according to a new Rasmussen Reports survey.
1 h
newsweek.com
More than 60 million people have voted early in 2024 race so far
More than 60 million people have already voted in the 2024 presidential race. CBS News deputy director of elections and data analytics Kabir Khanna is tracking the mountain of ballots cast in the battleground states so far and what it could mean for the eventual outcome.
1 h
cbsnews.com
Harris seizes on Trump's pledge to protect women 'whether they like it or not'
Vice President Kamala Harris slammed Donald Trump on Thursday, saying the former president's pledge to protect women was "offensive to everybody."
1 h
abcnews.go.com
Roy quizzes DOJ on 'coordination' with left-wing groups over suits challenging states' voter roll purges
Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, is asking questions of the Department of Justice about what he says could be coordination with left-wing groups on lawsuits challenging voter roll purges.
1 h
foxnews.com