At NYU School of Law’s commencement, a 6-year-old child named Eden Rose Neiger stood out for her message of love and respect amid protests and disruptions. As her mother, Devorah Neiger, walked on stage to graduate, Eden handed a purple heart drawing to the law school Dean Troy McKenzie, changing the mood of the ceremony. The family, who is Jewish and pro-Israel, faced tension in the room due to hateful chants and Palestinian flag-waving protesters, but Eden’s gesture brought an atmosphere of positivity and unity. Proud father, Edward Neiger, highlighted the impact of his daughter’s action at a time of chaos and hatred at the event.
The commencement ceremony was marred by disruptions as soon as the graduating students entered the venue, with some holding signs accusing NYU of funding genocide and others chanting anti-Israel slogans. Keynote speaker, ex-Twitter exec Vijaya Gadde, was also a source of controversy due to her alleged role in censoring news stories. The protests and disruptions were a continuation of previous controversies at the school related to the conflict in Israel, leading to the removal of the president of the school’s student bar association for inflammatory comments. Despite the tense atmosphere, Eden’s drawing of a purple heart stood out as a symbol of love and compassion amid the chaos.
As the protests escalated during the ceremony, Eden’s father made a quick decision to take his children, including Eden, Alexandra, and Elisha, to the back of the theater to distract them from the hateful chanting. He encouraged them to draw pictures with magic markers, hoping to shield them from the negative energy in the room. It was during this time that Eden decided to make her gesture and draw a purple heart to show her support and love for the law school Dean. Her action was solely her decision, and her parents did not influence her in any way, highlighting the innocence and bravery of children in the face of adversity.
Despite the disruptions and protests at the ceremony, there was no information disclosed about any disciplinary action or arrests of the protesters who violated Madison Square Garden’s rules. The law school expressed regret over the disruption caused by protesters and stated that they were asked to refrain from their activities, and when they did not comply, they were escorted off the stage. Eden’s action of handing the drawing to the dean was seen as a brave and powerful moment by attendees, including a Westchester teacher, Judy Kayne. The innocence and love displayed by a child in that moment provided a stark contrast to the hate and chaos present during the event.
The Neiger family’s experience at the NYU law school commencement highlighted the resilience and positivity that can be found even in challenging situations. Despite facing hatred and disruptive protests, Eden’s simple act of drawing a purple heart symbolized love and respect, earning her a standing ovation and praise from attendees. The family’s Jewish and pro-Israel background added significance to their experience at the event, underscoring the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs while spreading messages of unity and kindness. Eden’s bravery and innocence in the face of adversity left a lasting impact on those present at the ceremony.
