Sydney: Amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, hundreds of individuals gathered in solidarity with Palestine at one of Australia’s premier universities, calling for divestment from companies linked to Israel. Inspired by the wave of student occupations sweeping across U.S. campuses, pro-Palestinian activists established encampments outside prominent Australian universities, including the University of Sydney, a cornerstone of tertiary education in the country.
Similar encampments have emerged at universities in Melbourne, Canberra, and various other Australian cities. In contrast to the U.S., where police have forcibly evicted numerous defiant pro-Palestinian demonstrators from college campuses, the protests in Australia have remained peaceful, with minimal police intervention.
On the forefront of the demonstrations, more than 300 protesters at the University of Sydney demanded divestment from companies with ties to Israel, echoing calls from student bodies in the U.S., Canada, and France. Matt, a 39-year-old protester, stood amidst the chanting crowd with his two-year-old son on his shoulders, emphasizing that the outcry against Israel’s actions in Gaza transcends student activism alone. “Once you understand what is going on, you have a responsibility to try and get involved and raise awareness and show solidarity,” he remarked, underscoring the broader societal impact of the movement.
Meanwhile, a few hundred meters away from the University of Sydney protest, a separate gathering convened under Australian and Israeli flags, with speakers expressing concerns about the impact of pro-Palestinian protests on Jewish students and staff. Sarah, an academic, voiced apprehension about the atmosphere on campus, stating, “There’s no space for anybody else, walking through campus chanting ‘Intifada’ and ‘from the river to the sea’ it does something, it’s scary.” She chose to remain anonymous, fearing repercussions.
University of Sydney Vice Chancellor Mark Scott indicated that the pro-Palestinian encampment could remain on campus, citing the absence of violence witnessed in the U.S. While police cars were stationed at the university entrance, law enforcement presence was notably absent at both protests.
Australia, traditionally an ally of Israel, has witnessed a shift in sentiment regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza, particularly following the death of an Australian aid worker in an Israeli attack last month. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators criticized the government for its perceived inaction towards promoting peace, leading chants against Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his administration.
