Administration building closed due to pro-Palestine protest

1:30 pm
The demonstrators chanted different slogans as they left. They shouted “Free, free Palestine” but also that the war in Lebanon and Syria must stop. The march stopped in front of the university library, where they commemorated “one year of genocide in Palestine”, “one year of resistance against genocide”, and “one year against mass slaughter”, as one of the demonstrators shouted through the megaphone. He repeated what was also said at previous demonstrations: that the Executive Board refuses to sever ties with institutions in Israel. “As a result, the university enables genocide.”

He continued by saying that the university refuses to listen to facts, experts, and its own students. He reiterated that the protests will continue until the demonstrators' demands are met and all partnerships between Utrecht University and Israeli institutions (including universities) have been severed.

According to Elsa, a spokesperson for the demonstrators, the activists are on their way home because “their goal has been achieved”, which was "drawing attention to the genocide" and the protesters' demands. According to her, the demands are still on the table and they will keep on taking action as long as they are not met.

Tomorrow at 11:00 am, the protesters will organise a walk-out. Teachers, students and other employees are invited to stop working and go outside to demonstrate. It is not yet clear where they should gather. The protest is taking place simultaneously in the city centre and Utrecht Science Park.

According to a spokesperson for the Executive Board, the Administration Building will remain closed today until further notice. If the building reopens today, employees will be informed. The spokesperson could not yet say whether the Administration Building will be open tomorrow. The university did not send the police after the departing protesters. "They are allowed to protest and we allowed them to do so all day long."

Demonstrators leaving the Administration Building. Photo: DUB

1:00 pm
DUB approached three students standing at the bus stop in front of the Administration Building this afternoon. They barely noticed the protest, but they understood why activists were chanting pro-Palestine slogans on the day that Hamas attacked Israel. 

"The date may be a bit unfortunate, I can see that too,” says a Life Sciences student. “But I understand both sides of the story. As a demonstrator, you want to be heard. I get why they would choose this day for a demonstration. I hope they have thought about it. I actually sympathise with the protests, I might have participated myself.”

A student of the university of applied sciences thinks it is “good that they are raising awareness of this”, especially on October 7. “Israel has made many more victims.” The only thing he finds annoying is that employees may have been inconvenienced.

“I see no difference between a protest today or tomorrow,” says a Biology student, resolutely. “Israel is attacking Gaza every day.” However, he understands why today's protests are causing a stir. “They are getting attention and that is exactly what they wanted.”

Protesters blocking the access to the Administration Building. Photo: DUB

10:50 am
The pro-Palestine protesters blocking the entrances to the Administration Building are calling on supporters to join their demonstration at 11:00 am. The blockade started this morning before the building opened, at 7:00 am.

The protesters demand Utrecht University break all ties with Israeli institutions. They are prepared to discuss the matter with the university's administration, as long as an independent moderator and an audience are present.

The protesters are handing out flyers about the demonstration around Utrecht Science Park. Students and staff are being invited to a walk-out tomorrow at 11:00 am.

The university is in touch with the protesters and monitoring the situation. Employees working in the Administration Building were e-mailed this morning just after half past eight. They were informed that it would be better to work from home today. Employees who arrived earlier or did not see the email are being received by security guards and advised to work in another building.

Exactly one year ago, Hamas carried out a terrorist attack against Israel, killing 1,300 people and taking over 200 hostages. A few weeks later, Israel took revenge. Since then, the Gaza Strip has been bombed daily as Israel wants to eradicate Hamas. It is estimated that 40,000 people have been killed. 
Israel is bombing Lebanon as well because Hamas is supported by Hezbollah. A ground offensive was started last week as well. In so doing, Israel aims to create a safe zone for its residents on the border with Lebanon, where many had to leave their homes because of the war.

According to the demonstrators, they didn't choose to protest on October 7 to support Hamas or the attack that happened one year ago, The spokesperson for the protesters, Elsa, says the date was chosen because Palestine has been occupied since 1948, when the country of Israel was founded.

Pro-Palestine demonstrators block one of the emergency exits of the Administration Building. No employees are working in the building. Photo: DUB.