News / protest
‘Liberation is our mission, no more bombs from our tuition’
Students have denounced what they regard as the University of Bristol’s complicity in Israel’s assault on Gaza.
“Liberation is our mission, no more bombs from our tuition,” chanted activists on campus on Wednesday lunchtime.
“It makes me feel depressed,” said an activist who withheld her name. “Our focus today is helping students understand what is happening.”
is needed now More than ever
“We all have a moral responsibility, and not many of us, myself included, are doing enough.”
Students have penned an open letter to vice chancellor Evelyn Welch, urging the institution to cut ties with companies that activists claim arm Israel.
A Bristol University spokesperson said its partnerships “drive research and improve students’ future careers.”
View this post on Instagram
As the sun shone, protesters overflowed off the pavement onto Woodland Road outside the Senate House, with some holding placards and banners, waving Palestinian flags and handing out flyers .
Mabel Naisbitt, a second-year student of politics and international relations, said she wanted to show solidarity with Palestine and raise awareness among new students.
“There’s more that needs to be done to make the campus a safe place for Palestinian voices,” said the 21-year-old.
“I’m here because I have empathy. Oppressed people deserve compassion, and not showing that is wrong.
“We want to show new students we have an active campaign for Palestine here.”
Elfin Fahmy is a senior lecturer in the University of Bristol’s school for policy studies
Addressing the crowd, Bristol University lecturer Elfin Fahmy said: “The university believes it is ethical to partner with companies funding genocide…
“We say: shame on you; cut your ties with genocide and the arms industry.”
“Books not bombs,” was the succinct message of one placard at the demonstration
Bristol University has longstanding links to BAE Systems, which has four sites in Bristol, including collaborations on research projects.
The Campaign Against Arms Trade claims BAE Systems helps make F-35 fighter planes used by the Israeli military in Gaza.
Demilitarise Education says the university’s defence industry partnerships are worth £75m.
This protest follows two years of pro-Palestinian activism at the University of Bristol, including building occupations, a Palestinian solidarity encampment and multiple demonstrations.
In a statement to Bristol24/7, a University of Bristol spokesperson said: “We support the right to freedom of expression and to engage in lawful, peaceful protest and understand the deeply held concerns that many in our community feel about the situation in Israel, Gaza and Lebanon.
“The University’s association with a wide variety of organisations helps drive innovative research and improves our students’ future careers.
“All our partnerships undergo stringent diligence checks and ethical reviews.”
All photos & video: Betty Woolerton
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
