Colombia or Columbia? Internet confused about who severed ties with Israel
There’s a world of difference between Colombia and Columbia, one is a country that has severed ties with Israel and the other is an Ivy League University in New York that has become the epicenter of disagreement over the Israel-Hamas war.
Gustavo Petro, the president of Colombia, the country, announced that “diplomatic relations with State of Israel would be broken” effective Thursday.
This, in turn, confused many on the internet, who thought that Columbia University had officially divested or cut ties with Israel after weeks of protests on their campus.
It's been “quiet” on campus since Tuesday night, following the arrest of pro-Palestinian protesters by the New York Police Department. Minouche Shafik, university president, has requested police maintain a presence on campus through at least May 17,” USA TODAY reported.
Here’s what we’re seeing online.
Colombia or Columbia? Only one has cut ties with Israel despite typo, error
A number of people on the internet have chimed in to give their thoughts on "Columbia" breaking diplomatic relations with Israel even though only one entity has, and it is Colombia, the South American country.
There are many posts with incorrect information, circulating the idea that Columbia University has severed those ties. When it has not. There is also the very real possibility that they are just using the incorrect word or have misspelled the word they mean to use.
Others are using the "play on words" to make a point about which group did the "right thing."
Yayyyyy!!!! Columbia has broken all ties with Israel!!!! Bolivia cut ties in November and now this! South Africa has cried out as well, maybe they’re next. NOW GET OUR F’ing government to get out of Israel’s pockets and stand up for humanity. pic.twitter.com/js9ejmjNzL
— ?? Good Golly Miss (@MollyBee_82) May 1, 2024
Sorry what’s that you say “professor at Colombia University”?
The Jewish members feel safe? Hmm interesting ??
pic.twitter.com/YFecpGjR1G— JonnyUtd (@JonnyFX1) May 2, 2024
okay so at least one Colombia isn’t afraid to do the right thing https://t.co/Ad40s9Sfv5
— i can be your long lost pal (@PallaviGunalan) May 2, 2024
Okay. Okay. Colombia wins the internet today. Thanks everyone else for playing, come back tomorrow and try again. https://t.co/5vKoY9zXje
— Elie Mystal (@ElieNYC) May 1, 2024
Colombia did what Columbia refused to do.
— art ?? (@turiuriuri) May 1, 2024
Now if only the President of Columbia could manage to do as well on this as the President of Colombia.
— Chris Richards ?????? eclecticradical .bsky.social (@EclecticRadical) May 1, 2024
CN seems to not know that Colombia is a country ?? https://t.co/okTyA07O5N pic.twitter.com/KlVE64sOzP
— メ吉??1????????????/???????????\?? (@myoshiarts) May 1, 2024
In a world of Columbia’s, be a Colombia. https://t.co/h309FUzdMX
— Pontificating with Pete (@JenChangeFL) May 1, 2024
Israel has a 'genocidal' government, Colombian president says
El Presidente @petrogustavo informó que, a partir de hoy, 2 de mayo, Colombia rompe relaciones con el Estado de Israel para reafirmar su rechazo al genocidio del pueblo palestino.
“Si muere Palestina, muere la humanidad y no la vamos a dejar morir", afirmó el mandatario en la… pic.twitter.com/HiMt2jgSAP— Presidencia Colombia ???? (@infopresidencia) May 2, 2024
Petro said Colombia is cutting diplomatic ties with Israel because the nation is home to a "genocidal" government and president, according to recorded statement obtained by Al Jazeera.
"I believe that today all of humanity, in the streets and by the millions, agrees with us. And we agree with them. Times of genocide cannot be, cannot return and cannot come," Petro said.
Petro said the extermination of an entire people cannot occur before while his nation stands idly by.
"If Palestine dies, humanity dies. And we will not let it die, just like we won't let humanity die," Petro said.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Colombia nation cuts ties with Israel amid Columbia University protest
