Students at Syracuse University are joining schools across the country to call for an end to Israel's war in Gaza. Activists started an encampment on the lawn outside Hendrick’s Chapel on campus Monday morning. By Tuesday afternoon more than two dozen tents occupied the Quad in solidarity with the Middle Eastern territory.
Student activists declined to speak on the record with WAER but did provide a written statement listing the movement’s six demands. They include public support for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the university’s full disclosure of relationships and collaborations with U.S. and international businesses supporting the war. Specifically, those with Israeli ownership or those involved in manufacturing weapons deployed in Gaza.
The students also want the university to “terminate all programs and affiliations with Israeli academic and security institutions, including study abroad programs.”
On Monday, the university issued a statement to all students, faculty and staff calling the initial gathering peaceful and affirming its commitment to free expression. The university said one poster was removed, upon its request, after it was deemed “harassing.”