Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei conveyed a powerful message to US students, “Do not oppress and do not be oppressed,” in a letter addressed to American university students, praising their solidarity with the Palestinian people.
The letter, released on Thursday, coincided with a wave of pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campuses across the United States. These demonstrations have raised concerns about safety and tensions, particularly for Jewish students.
In his letter, Khamenei criticized the US government’s support for Israel and commended the students for standing on the morally just side of history. He portrayed their actions as part of a broader movement against Zionist oppression, labeling it the “Resistance Front.”
Khamenei condemned the Israeli government’s treatment of Palestinians, likening it to historical instances of genocide and apartheid, and emphasized the continuation of this oppressive behavior over decades.
Khamenei’s message heightened tensions on various campuses, which were already experiencing heated atmospheres. In the past two months, encampments had emerged, calling for a Gaza ceasefire and pushing for university divestment from Israel-linked companies.
Jewish students reported feeling increasingly unsafe, citing instances of antisemitic language and threats during these protests. According to a recent survey, 61% of Jewish students witnessing these demonstrations found them threatening or derogatory.