Achi news desk-
Hundreds of students are still camping out on the McGill University campus this weekend in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza.
The protesters demand that the university get rid of funds related to Israel.
The lower field of McGill’s campus, now dubbed the “liberated zone” by protesters, is part of a growing movement.
“We’re not leaving. Students are not leaving. They’re going to hold the fort down. They’re standing their ground,” said Maria, an organizer with Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights (SPHR) McGill.
They want the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land to end and to see that happen they say McGill has to meet their demands.
“We want them to call it, like committing to calls for sale,” said Maria, who did not want to give her full name for fear of retaliation.
More than 30 tents were set up in the lower field on the McGill University campus on Sunday, April 28, 2024. (Laurence Bryson Dubroil/CTV News)
According to them, unless the universities give money related to Israel, they are complicit in the war.
The demonstration has some supporters but also its share of opponents.
“Camping on college campuses is a violation of almost every code of conduct, including that of McGill University,” Montreal Liberal MP Anthony Hauspather said in a video he posted on X.
The Mount Royal MP says that given that all students need to feel safe accessing the campus for their upcoming exams, McGill should seek help from the police to end the demonstration.
“So to the extent that someone needs to intervene, I’m asking the Quebec government to do so,” he said.
Quebec Higher Education Minister Pascal Derry said Sunday in a social media post that she was “very concerned about the unauthorized encampment.” “It is up to the university to make the necessary decisions to ensure the safety of students as we enter exam week,” she added.
McGill did not immediately respond to a request for comment Sunday. The university said in a statement on Saturday that it is forbidden to set up camps on the campus and that security officials are present. Montreal police told CTV News early Sunday evening that the demonstration was peaceful and officers did not have to intervene.
Meanwhile, some supporters see the camp as a place that is not only safe but also respectful.
“I think it’s important to support young people when they speak out. And I wanted to bring my daughter, so she could see that protests can be peaceful and we can bring some hope in the world,” said a Montreal mother who also did not want her name published.
The encampment started with about 10 tents on Saturday – a number that doubled by Sunday afternoon.
“A lot of people are here just to let us know that they have our backs and they support us and they will do everything they can to keep us and keep it going,” said Maria, with SPHR.
Some students cite similar protests held by their American counterparts as the inspiration behind this act of resistance.
Raman Omar, a student in Montreal, is a supporter of Mahal at McGill University. (Laurence Bryson Dubroil/CTV News)
“When leaders are so insecure and afraid of students, it makes you feel like you have a voice. That your voice is heard and you do make a difference,” said Montreal student Raman Omar.
With portable toilets, a partial metal gate and food supplies, the group says they are prepared to stay put as long as it takes.
