In recent weeks, a wave of Palestinian solidarity encampments has been springing up on college campuses across the United States, drawing together students, activists, and community members in a unified call for justice. The movement has gained significant traction, with over 100 campuses participating. Its primary goals of these campus protests are to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and to urge universities to divest from companies complicit in the Israeli occupation.
Davey D, host of “Hard Knock Radio,” convened a roundtable discussion with several activists deeply involved in this movement. Guests included Pastor Cue from UCLA, Melina Abdullah from CSLA, Aboud Ashhab and Gabriela Venegas-Ramirez from Brown University, and Carmen Llanes Pulido, a community organizer from Austin, Texas. They offered insights into the evolving nature of these protests and the challenges they face.
Nationwide Palestinian Protests and Media Portrayal
The discussion began with a focus on the campus rotests taking place nationwide and the often misleading media portrayal of the movement. Davey highlighted the intense police responses seen at various campuses, such as Columbia, Texas, and UCLA. The protesters’ peaceful calls for divestment and a ceasefire have often been overshadowed by media narratives that misrepresent their actions.
Melina Abdullah recounted her experiences from the past 24 hours at the Los Angeles campus, emphasizing the disconnect between the protesters’ intentions and how they are depicted in the media. She stated, “What’s really important and what the students keep reminding us is we have to remember why they’re there: 40,000 Palestinians have been genocided by the Israeli government.”
Campus Conflict and Divestment Efforts
At UCLA, tensions between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups have escalated. Pastor Cue described an incident where he was aggressively confronted by a member of the pro-Israeli group, who said, “We’re not American Jews; we are Israelis, and if you stand up against us, we’ll slit your F*ckin throat.”
Despite these tensions, the solidarity encampments have remained focused on their goals. Aboud Ashhab from Brown University discussed the long-running divestment campaign at the institution, which has included sit-ins, a hunger strike, and an encampment. “We have been organizing for a while, especially over six years,” he explained. “We literally tried everything under the sun.”
Police Force Concerns and Divestment Strategies
The conversation shifted to concerns over the use of police force in response to the protests. Davey D and Carmen Llanes Pulido discussed how the police presence often exacerbates tensions on campuses, particularly at the University of Texas. “The only disruption to education on the UT campus has come from the presence of militarized police,” Carmen noted.
The discussion also addressed the challenges in divesting from Israeli companies, with university administrations often employing bureaucratic barriers to stall efforts. Aboud mentioned the potential for further pressure on universities, taking inspiration from past anti-apartheid movements.
Third Political Option and Continued Struggle
The roundtable explored the potential for a third political option to challenge the established Democratic and Republican parties, particularly among progressive voters. Melina Abdullah emphasized the unrealized potential of Muslim voters and urged individuals to vote based on their beliefs.
The conversation concluded with a focus on self-care for activists and the need to support and engage with student-led movements. Carmen highlighted the resilience of student organizers, drawing parallels with historical protests, and Melina urged continued involvement, noting that more encampments are being established nationwide.
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