Why did students set up a tent camp?
The ‘Gaza Solidarity Encampment’, which was set up around noon, consists of about twenty tents and 300 demonstrators. The aim is to ‘call on universities to end their complicity in Israel’s crimes.’
The demonstrators believe that the UvA should be open about its ties with Israeli institutions and companies. Ties with all companies should be severed and universities should cut ties with academic institutions and other educational institutions.
The organization blocked access to the camp from the two surrounding bridges with blockades on Monday afternoon. Flyers were also distributed containing three demands aimed at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and other universities. Protests are taking place at the camp with slogans such as ‘Israel is an illegal state since 1948’ and ‘From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free’.
Who is present at the protests at the UvA?
In addition to students, dozens of teachers are also present at the protest. They support the demonstration and are there to provide a possible shield if the police intervene, says senior lecturer and political anthropologist Martijn Dekker.
The tent camp is inspired by the tent camp in America, says Dekker. There, students from about forty universities have started a similar protest against the actions of the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip. This was not the case everywhere. Just last week, the police cracked down on a university campus. So far, about 2,000 American students have been arrested. Tent camps have now also been set up at universities in several other countries.
How long do the students want to stay?
“We are not here to camp for two days,” one of the organizers of the afternoon protest said. “We are here to demand that this university end its complicity in genocide.” However, in the evening the demonstrators were called on to stay. Food has been arranged for those present. Students have priority if they have been staying in the tent camp all day, plan to stay all evening, or really need it for another reason.
If the demonstrators do not leave voluntarily, a report will be made to the police ‘sometime in the evening’. This was reported by a spokesperson for the UvA.
What if a report is filed by the UvA?
Everyone has been briefed on the possible consequences of the protest: “There is a chance that you will be arrested,” said one of the organizers through a megaphone. “The police can take us away from here. If you want to know what the legal consequences may be, gather there.” She pointed to the corner of the field, where demonstrators were gathered.
A reporter from The Telegraph was surrounded and scarves were held in front of his camera. Media are welcome, but there are clear rules, say those involved. No close-ups, there are people in vests who do the talking and speak to the media and the grass on which the tents are placed is the property of the demonstrators. Bystanders are welcome, but are not allowed on the grass without permission.
