This is not the Cambridge I Knew

Back in Cambridge tonight (Feb 27) for a rare visit, I was walking up Church St and found myself in the middle of a protest that had thoroughly blockaded the sidewalk. The incident was in opposition to a Jewish cultural event. I listened and read signs enough to understand the demonstrators' agenda, and criticized them for having achieved absolutely nothing for the population of Gaza. Well these folks were apparently raised without resilience in their homes or schools because what happened next was a disgusting example of Cambridge thuggery that I hope will never be repeated.

Immediately one, and quickly about 5, protesters were literally in my face. To be sure, they had nothing especially bright to say, just shouts of “SHUT UP!” and “WE DON’T WANT YOU HERE!”, as though they had the right to decide who can use and speak on a taxpayer-funded street.

I purposely kept my hands out, up, and apart so they could see I meant no harm but these people kept on assaulting me; one of them kept his hands in his pockets even after I said he should take them out to reveal nonviolence, or whatever weapon he had his hands on.

Why do I suspect violent intent? With 5 people in your face starting to crowd you off the sidewalk, backward and thus blind-side into the street (Who would dare turn their backs to them in that situation?), anyone would recognize the situation as clear, simple bullying. If they need to be 5 against 1, the motivation is likely cowardice, a common driver of bullying. And if what they're protesting is an innocent cultural event, their intent may be genocidal.

Professional law enforcement from Cambridge Police physically pulled me out of the situation and brought me to the more peaceful side of the street, where open discussion was more accepted, and I told them I was grateful for their getting me safe. But the protesters had committed assault and in my opinion should have been arrested. Indeed, how did these thugs even get the right to block the sidewalk? And why must Cambridge Police, who must have other things to worry about, be burdened with having to keep violent protesters at bay too?

This is not the Cambridge I know, probably not the public school system as it used to be, and not the Harvard I used to know. I don’t know where the protesters came from but their violence should not be tolerated anywhere in the US including in my old town.

My impression is that Cambridge should be a declared no-go zone for anyone who doesn’t accept the fascistic side of whatever issue happens to be hot at the time. And if that has consequences for Cambridge’s reputation or the revenue of its hardworking business owners, so be it. Safety first, and Cambridge isn’t.