Conservative Activist Speaks on Campus Altercation

A conservative Jewish activist experienced an assault during a debate at the University of Michigan and is determined to continue her advocacy despite the incident.

Lizzy Benichou spoke on Fox & Friends, expressing her refusal to be deterred by the violent attack. She was hosting a public debate on the Ann Arbor campus when an altercation unfolded. A woman aggressively approached the group, shouting and reportedly struck another conservative influencer, Joe Redden, with her phone before confronting Benichou.

“She slapped Joe [Redden] in the face with her phone,” recounted Benichou. “Then she came up towards me and I told her, ‘You would not be able to do this in Iran.'”

Benichou’s comment referred to the lack of free speech rights in Iran, emphasizing the contrast with the freedoms available in the United States. The situation escalated when Benichou and another conservative influencer, Cam Higby, engaged the woman on the topic of women’s rights in Iran.

Higby noted the stark differences in dress codes, saying, “She wouldn’t be allowed to be dressed like this.” Benichou added, “If you were in Iran dressed like this, what would happen to you?” Students from Jordan nearby were asked for confirmation, which prompted the woman to lunge at Benichou.

Benichou sustained soreness from her fall during the incident, which highlights ongoing political and cultural tensions on campus, particularly as Michigan’s Senate race intensifies. Her campus visit aimed to discuss concerns regarding Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed’s political ties and campaign financing.