The call for Palestinian liberation reverberates across university campuses worldwide, as encampments in solidarity with Gaza emerge. What began as a modest protest at Columbia University in New York has rapidly evolved into a global outcry for action. Now, the University of Sydney, a bastion of academia in Australia, joins the growing chorus of voices demanding accountability.
Students at the Sydney University encampment demand the institution cut ties with Israeli universities and immediately revoke their partnership with THALES, a multinational weapons manufacturing company partnered with Israel Aerospace Industries and Israeli security technology company, Elbit.
Elbit manufactures surveillance systems, including technology to restrict Palestinian movement between Jerusalem and the West Bank.
Tents erected at the University of Sydney Gaza encampment.
The chants, “Disclose! Divest! We will not stop! We will not rest!” echo throughout the university’s iconic Great Hall and along the stretches of Eastern Avenue and City Road.
On Day 8 of the encampment, Muslims united from multiple universities and community organisations to erect tents and join the movement.
Despite the cold and rainy weather, the students took the opportunity to reflect upon their comfort compared to those in Gaza, where “bombs and debris have rained down for over 6 months“.
They concluded their first day by calling the adhaan (call to prayer) and performing prayer in congregation.
The movement has sprouted throughout Australian universities, with similar encampments in the University of Melbourne, University of Queensland, and Australian National University.
On Tuesday 1 May, the University of Melbourne’s Vice Chancellor, Duncan Maskell, announced his early resignation following a successful seven-month campaign by ‘Unimelb for Palestine’, demanding divestment and transparency regarding weapon manufacturing ties.
Columbia University’s encampment currently faces violent suppression, with arrests and campus closures. Less than 24 hours prior, protestors barricaded Hamilton Hall, unfurling a Palestinian flag and a banner renaming Hamilton Hall to ‘Hind’s Hall’, in honour of Hind Rajab, a 6-year-old Palestinian girl killed by Israeli tanks along with her family, and the paramedics that attempted to rescue her.
The campers vow to remain until the University of Sydney severs ties with entities complicit in Palestinian occupation and genocide.
Donate here to assist in providing hot meals, supplies and mobile electricity to the encampment. Alternatively, you can donate goods and supplies directly by visiting the encampment itself at Sydney University.
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