Protesters at McGill University demand divestment from Israel in encampment

About a hundred people have set up an encampment on McGill campus this weekend, demanding the university divest from Israel-connected funds. The demonstrators, inspired by their U.S. campus counterparts, are calling for the institution to cut financial ties with Israel in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas war.

The encampment’s spokesperson, who chose to remain anonymous, stated that the demonstration is urging the university to divest from all holdings that finance the Israeli military and are complicit in the violence. This includes weapons manufacturers and some real estate agencies. Additionally, the student groups are advocating for an academic boycott with Israeli institutions.

Documents on McGill’s website reveal that the institution holds investments in companies like Lockheed Martin, a defense contractor that has sold fighter jets to Israel. Demonstrators have vowed to stay until the university commits to their demands, with around 20 tents and multiple fences creating a barricade on campus.

Similar protests have been taking place across U.S. university campuses, with some schools experiencing police interventions, arrests, and allegations of antisemitism. Liberal MP Anthony Housefather expressed concern over the situation and called for school administrators and local officials to ensure student safety.

Quebec’s Higher Education Minister Pascale Dery also voiced concern about the unauthorized encampment at McGill University, emphasizing the need for the university to make decisions to ensure student safety during exam week. As of Sunday evening, Montreal police reported that the protest had remained peaceful with no arrests, but they are ready to intervene if necessary.