Hundreds of pro-Israel supporters, including Jewish MIT students and faculty, gathered on the steps of MIT chanting “U-S-A” to denounce what they perceive as antisemitism both at MIT and on college campuses nationwide. They also highlighted a pro-Palestinian encampment allowed to remain on campus.

“I call on MIT’s administration to stop negotiating with bullies and enforce its clear guidelines,” said Eitan Moore, an MIT student.

While most pro-Palestinian students declined to speak, MIT graduate student Dorotea Macri emphasized their non-violent presence.

“We’ve been completely non-violent and we pose no threat to them. We have no intention of doing anything to them,” said Macri.

Macri stated that they are in discussions with the administration, demanding divestment from collaborations with the Israeli Ministry of Defense.

Meanwhile, rally organizers expressed concern over Palestinian protests at other colleges, citing them as sources of unease and fear among Jewish students.

“I saw UCLA and I don’t want it to happen here,” said Mira Zinger, an organizer representing the Israeli-American Council.

Amidst this backdrop, pro-Israeli and Harvard Jewish students like Shabbos Kestenbaum delivered a resolute message.

“We will not be intimidated, we will not be silenced, we will not go quietly into the night. We are here, we are on the map, and we are not going anywhere,” said Kestenbaum.

Boston 25 News reached out to MIT regarding the pro-Palestinian encampment, but as of now, no response has been received regarding its status.