Hundreds of people gathered at the University of Sydney in Australia on Friday to protest Israel’s war in Gaza and demand the university divest from companies with ties to Israel. Inspired by similar movements on U.S. campuses, pro-Palestinian activists set up an encampment outside the university’s main hall, joining other camps that have sprung up at universities in Melbourne, Canberra, and other Australian cities.
Unlike the U.S., where police have forcibly removed protesters, the protest sites in Australia have been peaceful with minimal police presence. The protesters, echoing calls from students in the U.S., Canada, and France, rallied to demand divestment from companies with ties to Israel.
Among the crowd of more than 300 protesters was Matt, 39, who stood with his two-year-old son on his shoulders, expressing his responsibility to raise awareness and show solidarity. Meanwhile, a few hundred meters away, under Australian and Israeli flags, another group gathered to express concerns that the pro-Palestinian protests made Jewish students and staff feel unsafe on campus.
University of Sydney vice chancellor Mark Scott stated that the pro-Palestinian encampment could stay on campus due to the peaceful nature of the protests. While police cars were parked at the entrance to the university, no police were present at either protest.
Australia, traditionally a staunch ally of Israel, has become increasingly critical of its actions in Gaza, especially following the death of an Australian aid worker in an Israeli attack. Pro-Palestinian protesters criticized the government for not doing enough to push for peace and led chants against Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his government.