Actor and humorist Michael Rapaport gave a speech adjacent to Columbia University on the first day of the working week, speaking up for Israel amid a demonstration against the state by the attendees on the university’s premises. He unabashedly denounced those participants as ‘intimidators’ and ‘spineless individuals’. He highlighted the imbalance of action by stating: ‘If these loud voices were directed at any other community, appropriate action would have long been taken.’
Rapaport expressed a deep-seated wish for a peaceful Passover for everyone. His criticism of the Columbia transgressors against Israel was stark and unwavering. Making an issue of the necessity of the freedom of Israeli captives, he addressed Hamas and demanded the release of Israel’s hostages. In his view, those opposing Israel were nothing more than browbeaters and cravens.
‘They epitomize the term pathetic, their actions being beneath contempt,’ the quick-witted performer opined. ‘While it’s a shameful situation, the priority is to liberate our hostages. Our second primary objective is to eliminate the threat of Hamas.’ His words echoed with the determination yearned by those who value the sovereignty and peace of the Jewish state.
He asserted that the motion against Israel at Columbia was devoid of peace, candidly labelling the situation a disgrace. The protests were painted as disruptive, shouldering the responsibility for tarnishing the university’s reputation. As a comedic voice known for his liberal views, he presented an interesting and potentially prophetic speculation.
Rapaport conjectured that the 2024 elections would most likely witness a victory by former President Trump. Recalling the continued demonstrations on both Columbia and Yale’s campuses, he attributed such events as the springboard to Trump’s triumph. He expressed this sentiment decisively yet layered it with his signature sarcasm.
He quips, ‘You know what will be truly wonderful? The moment when Trump – marked by controversy as he might be – wins the presidency. There’s no assertion of my voting preference here, but the fact remains that if he secures a win, your mirth will turn into tears.’
In Rapaport’s prediction, the loud outcry from the university students denouncing Israel, demanding ‘Free Palestine,’ and challenging Zionism, will pale compared to their outrage at the electoral victory of Donald Trump. He declares that the cries of these protestors will be nothing to compare against the uproar that follows Trump’s victory in the elections.
In the past seven days, it has been reported that numerous students were taken into custody and removed from Yale and Columbia premises, as they set up protest camps on the university grounds. These were protesting against Israel, mirroring the sentiment of the ubiquitous agitation around many campuses.
Despite Rapaport’s well-documented criticism of Trump saturated with strong language over the years, he proposed that re-election of Trump might just be the proverbial silver lining if it results in the dismay of individuals in opposition to Israel. An intriguing notion, considering his publicly presented stance against Trump.
He continued his tirade expressing enthusiasm filled with irony: ‘The screams, weeping, and wailing will all be worth it. I can hardly wait for the day when the aftermath of Trump’s re-election is met with your dramatic demonstrations.’ His words, laced with biting humor, certainly made his intent quite clear.
Laughing, he remarked, ‘My patience is being tested indeed! I am eagerly awaiting that moment!’ The entertainer also made a significant revelation back in November – he did not outright deny the possibility of casting his vote for Trump, particularly if the issue of antisemitism remains unattended in the United States.
This statement from Rapaport signifies an interesting shift of narrative; a clear signal that rising antisemitism could potentially influence voting preferences, even among voters who have historically been critical of a candidate like Trump. This might factor significantly in electoral decision-making, and influence the course of political discourse.
Through his candid expression, Rapaport has shown that principles can supersede personal biases or previous grudges. It also serves as a valuable indication of the severity of the antisemitism issue within the United States, hinting at a yet-to-come shift in the political landscape should this concern remain unaddressed.
The stand-up comic’s tirade is a testament to the rising unease amongst the public revolving around the perpetuated and unaddressed antisemitism, particularly within the educated circles of society. His rhetoric serves as a stark reminder of the need to address this swiftly escalating concern and provides a glimpse into potential political shifts.
All in all, Rapaport’s stinging commentary serves as potent food for thought amongst both the demonstrators and the observers. His words, vividly coloured by his distinctive delivery, not only revealed the intensity of the antisemitism issue in the US, but also hinted at the potential ramifications on the political landscape contingent on how this issue evolves in the days to come.
