New encampment established at UQAM in support of Palestinian cause

Students in Montreal have taken a stand by setting up a new encampment near the science building at L’Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM). The protesters have renamed the square they occupy as the Al-Aqsa University at UQAM, in honor of a university destroyed in the Gaza Strip.

The encampment was quickly established, with at least a dozen tents going up within hours. Supplies such as water bottles, food, tarps, and a speaker system have been flowing into the camp, as students and supporters settle in behind barricades for what seems to be a long-term protest.

One protester, who chose to remain anonymous, stated, “The main point of these encampments is we don’t want to stay here, but we will stay here until you (universities) acquiesce.” The protesters are determined to make an impact and are organizing learning activities and discussions within the camp.

At McGill University, where a similar pro-Palestinian encampment was set up, administrators have escalated efforts to dismantle the tents citing health and safety concerns. However, UQAM students have shown solidarity by setting up their own camp in response to the potential police intervention at McGill.

The demands of the protesters include cutting ties with Israeli universities, which they believe are involved in producing propaganda and developing technology for arming the Israeli government. UQAM has stated that they have no investments in weapons makers and have a policy for responsible investment in place.

The encampment at UQAM is a symbol of student activism and determination to bring about change. As discussions and activities continue within the camp, the protesters are prepared to stay until their demands are met.