Ghent uni occupied: “All co-operation with Israel must stop!” (VIDEO)

“We want every single collaboration with Israeli organisations to stop,” says activist Youlian Burnham. The occupiers want a full academic boycott, including collaborations that Ghent University itself does not consider problematic. Previously, the university had already terminated one collaboration, following a green light from the EU.

"Ghent University must dare to step outside the legal framework and dare to go further," the activists say. According to the campaigners, the university is wrongly using the threat of damages claims as an excuse. "We believe these can be challenged in court. We are not only targeting the university, but also the higher authorities who need to take action."

The campaigners, who say they consist of students, staff and supporters, did not choose the Coupure campus at random. “Of all the problematic partnerships, five have links to this campus,” says Burnham. “That alone means 2.5 million euros of European taxpayers’ money is flowing to companies and governments guilty of flagrant human rights violations.”

"We are genuinely working towards sustainable change"

Ghent University emphasises that discussions were held with the campaigners as recently as last Monday. "We share their concerns about human rights and the gravity of the situation. We understand that their action stems from a sense of commitment. However, a prolonged occupation of buildings is not a sustainable path for us."

"We have made an unwavering commitment," Ghent University adds. "We want to end the problematic collaborations with Israeli partners. What we are doing may be slower or less visible than some would like, but it is indeed aimed at real, sustainable change."

Ghent University has engaged a bailiff to record the occupation.