Dublin, 11 May 2024, (GNP): In the ongoing anti-war protests, Trinity College Dublin distinguishes itself with the rapid success of pro-Palestine students, showcasing effective campaigning.
As anti-war sentiments sweep across campuses worldwide, student protestors are vehemently advocating for universities to divest their investments from Israeli firms and terminate affiliations with Israeli institutions amidst Tel Aviv’s prolonged conflict, which has claimed the lives of over 34,000 Palestinians.
While the response from many university administrations has been to involve law enforcement to quell protests, a handful of institutions have heeded the calls of the demonstrators and opted to disinvest from Israeli companies.
Trinity College Dublin, a venerable institution steeped in over 400 years of history, distinguished itself by opting for dialogue and negotiation, effectively averting an escalation of tensions and fostering a peaceful resolution with its students.
During the five-day student encampment, there was a notable absence of police presence, and there were no counter-protests aimed at intimidating the anti-war demonstrations.
László Molnárfi, president of the Trinity College Students’ Union, highlights the challenging landscape in the United States and parts of Europe where biased public opinion, coupled with a predominantly pro-Israel political elite, places significant pressure on universities to adopt stringent measures against pro-Palestinian protests.
“Whereas in Ireland where public opinion leans toward pro-Palestine sentiments, administrators may feel less pressured to resist such demands,” he telld to the media.
Also Read: President emphasizes broadening economic and cultural cooperation with Uzbekistan
Trinity’s announcement on Wednesday revealed its decision to divest all investments in Israeli companies engaged in activities within the Occupied Palestinian Territories and listed by the UN as complicit in the occupation. The college disclosed that only one of its suppliers is located in Israel, with a contract set to conclude next March.
Additionally, Trinity is exploring further divestment from other Israeli firms, with a dedicated committee comprising students and staff tasked with reviewing the issue.
While persistent protests in the US and elsewhere prompted some universities to distance themselves from Israel, most did not achieve a comprehensive victory akin to Trinity’s.
Brown University has merely committed to having its board vote on a divestment proposal later this year, while the University of Barcelona has agreed to severe institutional and academic ties with Israel. Northwestern University opted for a compromise, establishing an advisory committee on investments following police intervention against protesting students on campus.
Disruptive and targeted actions
Ireland is widely recognized as one of the most supportive countries of the Palestinian cause in Europe. Irish citizens feel a strong affinity with the Palestinian struggle due to their own historical opposition to British colonialism, aligning with the fight against Israeli occupation.
This shared history has fueled Irish solidarity with Palestinians, empowering Trinity students to mobilize pressure on the university. Amidst the ongoing encampment, students orchestrated a solidarity rally outside Trinity, drawing over a thousand participants within just a few hours’ notice.
“That really bolstered our campaign,” remarks Molnárfi.
Over a hundred students set up tents on the Trinity campus, effectively blocking access to the library housing the revered Book of Kells, a medieval manuscript attracting daily tourists.
This blockade resulted in the college losing an estimated $377,000 in revenue as visitors were unable to view the manuscript during the five-day encampment.
This financial impact played a significant role in empowering Trinity students to pressure the university administration. Notably, this tactic wasn’t new; Trinity students had previously utilized it to protest against escalating student accommodation costs.
At 23, Molnárfi advises students across universities to emulate the “disruptive” and “targeted” actions seen at Trinity, emphasizing the effectiveness of such strategies in advocating for change.
