A statement on student-activism on campus since the Gaza conflict

By Nabil Ahmed, FOSIS Vice-President Student Affairs.

“The conflict in Gaza has undoubtedly seen student political-activism reignited with a break from the student apathy that has plagued campuses in the recent past. We welcome the student radicalism we are seeing on campuses which is reminiscent of the generation that challenged South African apartheid; many students have revived their role in fighting injustice, today challenging the Israeli-government’s unwavering brutality against the Palestinian people.

We have seen humanitarian campaigns, debates, lectures as well as sit-ins take place throughout the UK. The stories of sit-ins from Oxford to LSE and Leeds show how students from all backgrounds Muslim, Jewish and otherwise, are serious about Gaza. Particularly, to see Universities now reconsidering ties with domestic arms-firms who are allegedly directly or indirectly linked to the Israeli Defence Force, and where for example the University of Cardiff has divested from arms-firms, this can only be welcomed.

Sit-ins have taken place in different shapes and forms, some disciplined and with focused demands and some with less of the two. The participation of Muslim students and their Islamic Societies have varied ultimately depending on their own campus-specific situations, some getting involved and some not. We represent that diversity, and campaigning is as much about democracy, organising debate and education as it is about powerful protest.

Critically, the last few weeks have reminded Universities who their most important stakeholders are – the students. The arguments are clear, and the student movement can and will continue, to do everything in its power to lead the fight against any support of, or silence over, the injustices caused to the Palestinian people.”