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| At UCLA, organized, Islamo-Marxist demonstrators crashed a rare, pro-Israel rally on April 30th |
On Monday 21 October, the Wall St. Journal referenced the U.C.L.A. antisemitism task force report published last week in an article by Joe Pisani, "Jewish Students at UCLA Were Harassed, Threatened and Assaulted on Campus, Report Finds."
Jewish students and staff at the University of California, Los Angeles, were harassed, threatened and assaulted as pro-Palestinian protests spread on campus. The university prioritized free speech over stopping protests, which were among the most violent of the pro-Palestinian campus demonstrations, WSJ's Joe Pisani wrote.
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| UCLA anti-Israel protest starts day of Ben Shapiro's speech on campus (photo: UCLA Daily Bruin) |
Also on Monday, the Islamo-Marxist movement whose encampment was uprooted in May, resumed camping on the UCLA grounds - this time under the pretense of a ritual Jewish Sukkah tent. This coincided with the appearance of alumnus Ben Shapiro returning to his alma mater to speak - under the auspices of the D.C.-based, Young America's Foundation.
Yitzy Frankel, a Y.A.F. board-member, prefaced Mr. Shapiro's remarks with a reference to UCLA having cancelled its previous, scheduled group talk with JihadWatch founder, Robert Spencer, in May.
Mr. Spencer characterized the offense thusly: "UCLA has proven once again that our universities are not centers of higher learning, but radioactive wastelands of far-left-indoctrination - that are run by fascists - and that train fascists - who cannot stand the light of truth to be shone on their activities."
The YAF audience welcomed Daily Wire founder, Ben Shapiro, rousingly. He began his address recounting the trouble he had with leftist culture at UCLA while pursuing his Bachelor's degree. Editors for the UCLA Daily Bruin newspaper censored his two columns about radicalism among the Muslim Student Association. Soon after, they fired him.
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| Ben Shapiro addressed a full, UCLA auditorium |
Mr. Shapiro discussed the beliefs that bind together a coalition of individuals at the institution, which he refers to as the "Coalition of Losers," and the importance of individuals taking responsibility for their actions and building civilization.
Shapiro also touches upon the clash between those who believe in duties and contributing to the community and those who prioritize tearing-down systems. The conversation covers topics such as climate-change solutions, the legitimacy of President Trump's claimed immunity from political prosecution, and the Israel-Palestine conflict. Throughout the discussion, Shapiro emphasizes the importance of personal agency freedom of speech, and the belief in the logic of the universe.
00:00:00 Yitzy Frankel of Young America's Foundation (YAF) discuss their ongoing efforts to hold events at UCLA despite the university's past blocking of their events. He introduces Ben Shapiro, the speaker for the night, who shares his history with UCLA. Shapiro recalls coming to the campus in 2000 at the age of 16, meeting his wife, and writing for the UCLA Daily Bruin. However, he was fired from the paper after they refused to publish his columns critical of the Muslim Student Association's radicalism. Despite this, Shapiro continues to engage with the campus community, speaking in the very room where he once wrote for the Daily Bruin. The event is part of YAF's Things that Matter lecture series, and Shapiro thanks the anonymous sponsor for making it possible.
00:05:00 Mr. Shapiro speaker recounts two incidents at UCLA from a decade ago and more recently, where the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel was being discussed. During the first incident, the speaker attended a hearing and delivered a speech against BDS, arguing that the movement's focus on Israel was due to anti-Semitic sentiments. The second incident involved a tent encampment on campus, where students and faculty were demanding amnesty for those involved. Mr. Shapiro expresses concern that the university has become a haven for various groups, united by their hatred of the system, and that these groups have become more emboldened over the years. He believes that this coalition of privileged individuals is engaged in a battle against those who wish to build and produce, and that their belief in the absence of duty to others fuels their desire to tear down existing structures.
00:15:00 Ben Shapiro discusses the importance of individuals taking responsibility for their actions and building civilization, as opposed to tearing it down. He distinguishes between "lions" and "scavengers," with lions being those who innovate, provide, and defend, while scavengers merely seek to tear down the system. Shapiro praises warriors, such as members of the military and Israelis defending their land, and weavers, who build the social fabric of society. He emphasizes the importance of personal agency and the belief in the logic of the universe. Shapiro also thanks law enforcement for their presence and expresses admiration for the sacrifices made by warriors for Western civilization.
00:20:00 Ben Shapiro discusses the clash between two groups of people in western civilization: those who believe in the importance of duties and contributing to the community, and those who prioritize tearing down systems and exercising their rights without regard for duties. Shapiro argues that young people must choose whether they will be useful members of society or destructive forces, and that open conversations between people with different views are essential for bridging the divide. He also emphasizes the importance of freedom of speech and establishing ground rules on campus. During the Q&A session, a Catholic audience member asks how his conversations with Catholic figures have influenced his understanding of Jesus and the church. Shapiro responds by encouraging everyone to attend religious services more frequently.
00:25:00 A question is raised about the connection between Judaism and Christianity, specifically the Judeo-Christian tradition. Ben Shapiro explains that the continuity between the Old and New Testaments is a significant aspect of this tradition, and it is not meant as a denigration or watering down of Christianity. Shapiro then addresses a question about the attraction of far-right groups, such as white nationalists, to Donald Trump. He explains that this reactionary strain on the right is a response to the racialism of the left and is morally reprehensible. The conversation then shifts to climate change, with a question about why fighting climate change is inconsistent with conservatism. Shapiro acknowledges that the climate is changing but questions the proposed solutions and their potential impact on the economy. He also points out that the climate is a global issue, and other countries, such as China, are still contributing significantly to emissions.
00:20:00 Ben Shapiro discusses the clash between two groups of people in western civilization: those who believe in the importance of duties and contributing to the community, and those who prioritize tearing down systems and exercising their rights without regard for duties. Shapiro argues that young people must choose whether they will be useful members of society or destructive forces, and that open conversations between people with different views are essential for bridging the divide. He also emphasizes the importance of freedom of speech and establishing ground rules on campus. During the Q&A session, a Catholic audience member asks how his conversations with Catholic figures have influenced his understanding of Jesus and the church. Shapiro responds by encouraging everyone to attend religious services more frequently.
00:25:00 A question is raised about the connection between Judaism and Christianity, specifically the Judeo-Christian tradition. Ben Shapiro explains that the continuity between the Old and New Testaments is a significant aspect of this tradition, and it is not meant as a denigration or watering down of Christianity. Shapiro then addresses a question about the attraction of far-right groups, such as white nationalists, to Donald Trump. He explains that this reactionary strain on the right is a response to the racialism of the left and is morally reprehensible. The conversation then shifts to climate change, with a question about why fighting climate change is inconsistent with conservatism. Shapiro acknowledges that the climate is changing but questions the proposed solutions and their potential impact on the economy. He also points out that the climate is a global issue, and other countries, such as China, are still contributing significantly to emissions.
00:30:00 Ben Shapiro discusses climate change solutions from a conservative perspective. He argues that serious consideration of nuclear energy is a litmus test for those claiming to be concerned about climate change. Shapiro also criticizes carbon taxes as ineffective on a global scale and suggests border taxes as an alternative. He believes human beings are better at adaptation than mitigation and hopes for more effective innovations in solar and wind energy. Shapiro also addresses questions about the Electoral College and the national popular vote system, expressing his opposition to the latter due to its unfeasibility. The conversation then shifts to a liberal questioning Shapiro about his views on Donald Trump's conduct, which Shapiro does not directly address in this excerpt.
00:35:00 A question is raised about the legitimacy of President Trump's claimed immunity from legal action, specifically regarding a Supreme Court case. The speaker explains that the Supreme Court decision does not grant a blanket immunity to the president but rather establishes three categories of executive action: unprotected, clearly protected, and a gray area. The speaker argues that Trump's actions in 2021, such as attempting to overturn the election results, would not have been protected by executive immunity and would have been a threat to constitutional order. The speaker also discusses the Electoral Account Reform Act passed during the Biden Administration, which restricts the Vice President's ability to certify state votes, making it harder for Congress to challenge the results. The speaker emphasizes the importance of the Constitution's guardrails and the difference between Trump's actions and those of the Biden Administration. The speaker also addresses a question about Israel's actions in international relations and expresses a lack of fondness for Israel supporting military dictatorships that push people out of their homes.
00:40:00 An agitated Armenian man queries Shapiro about the complex situation in Nagorno-Karabakh between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He expresses a desire for a ceasefire and permanent settlement.
He then answers a question about refugees and the United States' moral obligation to take them in, emphasizing the importance of their alignment with American values and the country's capability to absorb them. Shapiro also shares his thoughts on the historical context of immigration to the United States and the importance of self-sufficiency. He clarifies his use of the term "leftist" in his speeches, distinguishing it from "liberal" by adding that leftists tend to shut down open debate.
00:45:00 Mr. Shapiro clarifies his use of labels and distinguishes between liberals and leftists. A student questions Shapiro about his stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, specifically regarding the timeline of the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Six-Day War. Shapiro corrects the student's misconception and explains that the foundation of the Organization was before the War, and the area seeking liberation was not Jerusalem but Tel Aviv and the West Bank, which were controlled by Jordan and Egypt, respectively.
The student then asks Shapiro, as an American Jew, how he can condone the actions of the Israeli government during the Gaza conflict, resulting in over 40,000 deaths, including civilians and children.
Shapiro defends Israel's actions, stating that they have gone to great lengths to prevent civilian casualties, have complete air superiority, and have not committed full-scale human atrocities. He argues that Israel's conduct of the war is more peticulous than any army in history and should be celebrated by the Western world. Shapiro does not want a ceasefire until Hamas surrenders.
00:50:00 Ben Shapiro discusses the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. He argues that the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) is essential for the security and peace of Israel and its citizens, both Jewish and Arab. Shapiro criticizes those who suggest tearing down the IDF, stating that it would lead to Israel's destruction and potential genocide. He also addresses a question from a viewer about why Israel did not wipe out Hamas terrorists immediately after the attack. Shapiro explains that Israel has been meticulous in its prosecution of the war and has shown restraint, despite pressure from the United States and the international community to cease military action. He also expresses his support for the people of Iran, distinguishing them from the Iranian government.
00:55:00 A questioner expresses her appreciation for Shapiro's podcast and asks for his advice on growing her own political podcast. Shapiro offers his insights, emphasizing the importance of marketing, which he states is 80% of a business's cost. He then shares his personal approach to podcasting, which involves delving into information and data when faced with technical difficulties.
Later, Shapiro engages in a discussion about foreign aid, specifically regarding Israel and Ukraine, and explains the realpolitik reasons for American interest in these countries, as well as the cost-effectiveness of prevention over intervention.
01:00:00 - 01:05:00 Ben Shapiro discusses his foreign policy stance during his hypothetical presidency, specifically regarding Russia's non-invasion of Ukraine and his threat of military action. He then shifts the conversation to the ongoing protest encampment at UCLA, expressing frustration with the university administration's inaction against protesters violating rules. Shapiro compares their situation to white supremacists and argues for their expulsion.
A student from USC, who is a Jewish Law Students Association co-president and has worked on hate environment cases, expresses gratitude for Shapiro's advocacy for Jewish students and asks about his stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.Shapiro argues that a one-state solution is not feasible due to the lack of a moderate Palestinian faction and suggests continued Israeli security presence and increased investment in education as a potential pathway to moderate Palestinian governance in the future. He emphasizes local governance without foreign policy control as the best approach for both Israel and the Middle East.
According to the UCLA Daily Bruin.com, "In a statement emailed at 8:04 p.m., Betar – a self-described national Zionist organization – had called for police to take action against the pro-Palestine protesters.
“We demand police remove these thugs now - and if not we will be forced to organize groups of Jews to do so,” it said in the statement.
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| UCLA Campus police arrest defiant, anti-Israel protester (photo: Nicolas Greamo, Daily Bruin) |
The pro-Palestinian group began to dismantle their tents. After the UCPD issued a dispersal order, most protesters complied, and hired security removed the sukkah. One individual was arrested at Dickson Court North for failing to obey a dispersal order for an unauthorized demonstration, according to a post on social media platform "X" by UCPD.
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