CAIR-NY Condemns Reported Spraying of Foul-Smelling Chemical on Peaceful Protesters at Columbia, Demands Law Enforcement Action
(NEW YORK, NY, 1/20/2024) - The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today condemned the reported use of a foul-smelling chemical agent suspected to be the product “Skunk” during a pro-Palestine protest held at Columbia University yesterday. CAIR-NY also demanded law enforcement investigate the incident as a possible hate crime.
On Jan. 19, Columbia University students held a protest against the genocide in Gaza and were reportedly sprayed with the chemical agent by individuals who were allegedly wearing Palestinian keffiyehs (scarves) to infiltrate the rally and spray protesters discreetly.
Students stated their clothes and hair had a foul smell for hours after the initial burst of stench at the protest. The smell worsens and spreads after being washed. Some students reported their eyes burning hours after and experiencing nausea.
Skunk was invented by Israeli firm Odortec and first used by the Israeli military against demonstrators in the occupied West Bank in 2008. It is most often used by the Israeli occupation forces as a form of collective punishment against Palestinians for daring to protest. It has since been developed by Mistral, a US company, and is used by police departments.
CAIR-NY is echoing the demands of the Columbia chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) for the University to immediately launch an investigation into the use of this chemical on its students and take action against the perpetrators. CAIR-NY is also calling on the NYPD to investigate the use of this chemical agent as a hate crime against the pro-Palestine protesters.
In a statement, CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher said:
“The alleged use of a chemical agent on the grounds of a college campus in NYC is beyond heinous. It is an escalation of violence launched against peaceful protesters by individuals who seek to inflict harm and undermine the principles of peaceful dialogue and dissent upheld in any democratic society.
“Columbia University is an institution whose mission claims a commitment to rigorous debates free of bigotry, intimidation, and harassment. Our law enforcement agencies purport to protect and serve everyone equally. Therefore, CAIR-NY stands firmly with the impacted students who, right here in NYC, experienced military tactics used against its civilian population.”
She further noted that in 2023, CAIR-NY saw 555 requests for legal assistance, of which, 239 were directly related to Palestinian solidarity, representing 43% of its requests.
She also noted that CAIR-NY Condemned Columbia’s Decision to Suspend Students for Justice in Palestine, Jewish Voice for Peace in November.
CAIR-NY's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-NY es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT:
Afaf Nasher, Esq., CAIR-NY Executive Director, 917-669-4006, anasher@cair.com;
Rabea Ali, CAIR-NY Communications Coordinator, 347-651-0954, rali@cair.com