PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: Tara Tarawneh, a college junior at the University of Pennsylvania, was arrested on November 4 for allegedly stealing an Israeli flag from the front of a Campus Apartments house near the Ivy League campus.
According to The Daily Pennsylvanian, the incident took place on the evening of October 28. Vice President for Public Safety Kathleen Shields Anderson said that Penn Police responded to a call about the theft at the property.
Upon investigation, they identified Tarawneh as the suspect, who turned herself in.
A statement from Anderson read, "Upon submitting the results of the investigation to the District Attorney’s Office, charges of Theft and Receiving Stolen Property were approved against the suspect, who was arraigned on November 5th."
Tara Tarawneh's viral speech at rally
Speaking at a pro-Palestinian rally on October 28 in Center City, Taraweh said, “How about the photos of the bulldozer breaking through the deadly border? Do you remember that picture? And the several other joyful and powerful images which came from the glorious October 7?”
“I remember feelings so empowered and happy, so confident that victory was near and so tangible. I want all of you to hold that feeling in your hearts. Never let go of it. Channel it through every action you take. Bring it to the streets,” she added.
The footage of the speech has gone viral online, earning widespread rebuke, including from Rep Ritchie Torres, who wrote, "This is not a patient at a psychiatric hospital. This is a student at an Ivy League."
UPenn president condemns Tara Tarawneh's speech
Elizabeth Magill, president of UPenn, recognized a rise in antisemitic acts on campus including “swastikas and hateful graffiti” as well as “chants at rallies,” reported the New York Post. She said that they "celebrate and praise the slaughter and kidnapping of innocent people, and that question Israel’s very right to exist.”
In a meeting held in early November, Magill stated that she was sickened, horrified, and angry.
"I condemn personally these hateful – hateful – antisemitic acts and words, which are nothing but inhumane. And I assure you that Penn has and will investigate any act of hate on our campus and take full action in accordance with our policies and our laws,” she said.
