Protestors in support of Palestine at the Columbia University have resorted to occupy a building on the campus after continuous demonstration against the war by Israel in Gaza. Such demonstrations have lasted for months, and now, occupying a building on the campus has been the next step.
The disappointment received after the failure of talks with the authorities of the university regarding the agreement by the protestors to dismantle an encampment of over 120 tents have led to the takeover of the Hamilton Hall.
The demands of the students
The Columbia University has been instructed to stop investing in all those companies that profit from the way Israel behaves against the Palestinians. A demand like this is not now. For instance, in the 1980s, people boycotted firms that were associated with South Africa at the time of apartheid. In those times, students came to protest by means of occupying the Hamilton Hall. The protest lasted until it was agreed by the university to actually sale out stocks in such companies.
At present, students are again up for such protests. However, the president of Columbia has said a clear no to divesting. The university aims to looking into the proposals by the students faster. However, the protestors do not believe this.
Some other important factors
The Jewish students that are in support of Israel feel threatened. They complain that they have actually been subject to anti-Jewish insults. Allegations like these have been received at other campuses as well where such protests are going on.
However, the protestors do not believe it is true. They say that such instances of anti-Jewish insults are nothing but simply exaggerations. They believe that such claims are made bigger than they actually are. Also, they argue that criticism of Israel has been confused with antisemistism. This strategy is being used in order to mute fair criticism of the country.
Comments
All Comments (0)
Join the conversation