CUNYGSE Activists Speak

On the day before police were called to The City College of New York (CCNY) and the CUNY Gaza Solidarity Encampment (CUNYGSE) was cleared, I interviewed several people to find out why they were there and what they hoped would  happen. 

Nafisa (23) and Shameea (23) graduated from Hunter College and that Monday was the first day that they came to the encampment. They asked us not to use their last names because they worry about their jobs. Each explained why they and other protestors were supporting Palestinians and people in Gaza.  Nafisa said, “For many months, and I know a lot of others my age can also relate, it felt like we couldn’t really do anything to help Gaza/Palestine besides posting on our social media or donating to organizations providing aid on the ground.  Once the protests began in our cities, it became evident that they were garnering widespread media attention- and people were being forced to look in our direction.” 

After she finished her evening prayers Sumaya Tee, a 21-year-old junior at City College, explained why it was important for her to join.  “My decision to be present at this encampment stems from a profound commitment to being on the right side of history, where justice and compassion succeed. Standing shoulder to shoulder with the resilient people of Palestine is not merely a choice but a moral duty. In the face of adversity, the people of Palestine look to us as their allies, advocates, and hope.  I want to be their hope.”

Others complained about the way the college administration was trying to negotiate with them.

Bianca Martinez (27) said she learned about the protest and the encampment through social media. She had been there since the day it started. She supported protest leaders when negotiations failed.  “The admin team offered to give us porta potties in exchange that we remove the Palestinian flag from the flagpole. With no hesitation, we didn’t agree to this. We aren’t here to negotiate. We are here to stand our ground.” 

The next night, after my interviews, protestors took over the Wille Administration Building and at 11:30 p.m., CCNY President Vincent Boudreau and CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez called in the NYPD. Police entered the campus fifteen minutes later and the encampment was cleared. 

32 people were arrested in Wille, one was a City College student, one was a faculty member and 14 were from other CUNY schools. In all, about 170 people were arrested that night and some were detained overnight. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office told us that 22 of the  protesters at City College were arrested for occupying a building and charged with burglary. Five others faced arraignment for Assault in the Second Degree. One person was arraigned on  misdemeanor charges, including Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree.

The day after the arrests, I went to One Police Plaza where some activists waited outside for those arrested. Sarah Ahmed, a 21-year-old Palestinian American said she felt the encampment had been important.“I have never seen this many people stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters back home. It makes us feel seen for once. What we fight for, is the end to the genocide and the decolonization of Palestine,” she said.

One of the jail supporters, Alex L (31), said, “No one is free until all of us are free. And that includes the people of Palestine. We’re getting arrested but what is that in comparison to living in Gaza?”