New York, USA – The recent arrests of over a hundred Columbia University students who were protesting Israel’s actions in Gaza have put a spotlight on the growing pro-Palestinian movement on college campuses across the United States. Since Israel initiated its offensive in Gaza last October, students have engaged in protests, sit-ins, and encampments in a push for universities to divest from companies linked to Israel’s military.
These demonstrations have not been without sacrifice, as some students have resorted to hunger strikes, while others have dedicated the past six months of their lives to the cause. Many are now awaiting potential criminal charges following arrests at various institutions including Columbia, Brown University, and Yale University.
The students participating in these actions believe that their efforts are justified. They draw inspiration from past instances where universities responded to student-led divestment campaigns, such as during the apartheid-era in South Africa, and companies doing business with the Sudanese government during a civil war.
One of the students involved in the movement is Rania Amine, a 25-year-old McGill student who underwent a 34-day hunger strike as part of a relay system still ongoing at the university. Despite experiencing physical and mental challenges during her strike, she remains committed to the cause, emphasizing the daily struggles endured by the people of Gaza.
Another student, Ariela Rosenzweig from Brown University, spoke about her responsibility as a Jewish individual to oppose what she views as the injustices in Gaza and Palestine. Since last October, Rosenzweig has been actively organizing on campus, leading initiatives like hunger strikes and student “occupations” to raise awareness and push for divestment.
Catherine Elias, a student at Columbia University with Lebanese-Irish heritage, shared her firsthand experiences in Palestine, which motivated her to join the divestment coalition at the university. Elias was among those arrested during an encampment on campus in April, highlighting the group’s persistence in holding the university accountable for its investments.
The fight for a free Palestine also resonates with Avery Eddy, who, after witnessing the apartheid system in the West Bank and Israel, felt compelled to take action. Eddy’s hunger strike at Yale University aimed to pressure the institution to divest from military manufacturers, despite facing physical discomfort during the protest.
These students, alongside many others, have been at the forefront of a movement that continues to gain momentum across college campuses, sending a powerful message of solidarity with the people of Palestine. Their dedication and resilience reflect a growing wave of activism aiming to bring about tangible change through divestment campaigns.