Over 200 progressive organizations have expressed solidarity with pro-Palestinian student protests in a recent statement. The statement, signed by groups including Justice Democrats and the Sunrise Movement, commends students for peacefully protesting despite facing pressure, intimidation, and retaliation.
The students are demanding that their universities divest from corporations profiting from Israeli occupation and create safe environments for Palestinians on campus.
The statement praises the students’ courage and determination, inspiring others to take action and speak out against injustice. It emphasizes the importance of supporting the students, who are risking everything to raise awareness about Israel’s assault on Gaza, which is funded and supported by the US government.
Protests have been taking place on college campuses across the nation, including at Columbia University, where demonstrators took over a building and flew a Palestinian flag.
The students are demanding divestment, financial transparency, and amnesty, and have vowed to remain in the building until their demands are met. Over 1,000 people have been arrested on campuses as the academic year comes to a close.
The protests have also expanded to Canada and Europe, with some Jewish students expressing feelings of unsafety. However, the coalition of organizations stands in solidarity with the students’ efforts to support the people of Gaza and calls on President Biden to listen to the majority of American voters who are demanding an end to funding and support for Israel’s atrocities against the people of Gaza.
Yasmine Taeb, a political director at Muslim civil rights group MPower Change, emphasized that instead of attacking students mobilizing for Palestinian human rights, President Biden should take action to stop funding and supporting Israel’s actions. The coalition urges others to join them in supporting the students and standing up against injustice.