Pro Palestine Sit In Protest At Columbia University Marks Two Year Hall Occupation Anniversary

A shaky handheld video filmed by X user Columbia Jewish & Israeli Students captures a small pro-Palestine sit-in protest on the Columbia University campus on April 30, 2026.

The footage shows students and faculty seated in a long line along wide concrete steps and a plaza ledge in front of a large brick-and-stone academic building. A central fountain and patterned paving are visible in the background as people move through the area under overcast skies.

Many participants wear black shirts with white lettering reading “COLUMBIA JEWS FOR CEASEFIRE NOW.” Nearby, a person in a neon yellow jacket and red cap stands holding a device, possibly a megaphone or phone, while others carry signs and papers.

At one point, the camera cuts to a close-up of a young woman with long dark hair speaking before panning back across the seated group and surrounding bystanders, some of whom are seen filming the scene.

Chants of “ceasefire now” can be heard throughout the gathering, which marked the two-year anniversary of the 2024 Hamilton Hall, later renamed Hind’s Hall, occupation. Protesters honored Palestinian scholars killed in Gaza and repeated calls for the university to divest from Israel and release detainees.

No arrests were reported.

The video was shared by the Columbia Jewish & Israeli Students account, which described the demonstration as disconnected from reality, stating that a U.S.-backed ceasefire in Gaza has already been in place for six months while campus disruptions continue.

The demonstration reflects ongoing tensions at Columbia despite the fragile ceasefire.