Update on the PSC workshops and talks 21st March

Last Saturday (21st March) the Palestine Solidarity Campaign held a day of talks and workshops for students. Also attending were representatives from the Federation of Student Islamic Societies, the British Muslim Initiative, the Viva Palestina convoy, as well as Ken Livingstone, Jeremy Corbyn MP.

Betty Hunter, General Secretary of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign said: ‘The activism of young people and students in support of the Palestinian people has been inspirational – we look forward to working with students to ensure that their exemplary activism and achievements on campus and as part of the demonstrations this year are central to the Palestine solidarity movement’.

Ken Livingstone said: ‘Students’ participation in demonstrations, occupations and other campaigns shows that the majority of students were appalled by Israel ’s killing of over 1400 Palestinians, and the humanitarian crisis created by its ongoing blockade. Unfortunately the leaders of NUS have shown how out of step with students’ views they are - refusing to issue even a word of criticism of Israel’s actions, and continuing to block discussion about Palestine in NUS’.

George Galloway MP, from the Viva Palestina Convoy sent a statement of support to the Conference: ‘We have returned from that epic journey with an even greater determination to fight to free Palestine and I know that we will be uniting with the Palestine Solidarity Campaign over many important initiatives in the forthcoming weeks and months to bring whatever support and solidarity we can create’.

Bryony Shanks, Student Officer for Palestine Solidarity Campaign said: ‘ The recent wave of student occupations and other activities in support of the Palestinian people shows that students have an important role in the movement for justice for Palestine . PSC congratulates students who have won commitment from their universities to provide practical support, including scholarships, academic materials, and fundraising days, for the people of Gaza . These achievements are just the beginning in building a mass campaign to win justice for the Palestinian people’.

Richard Kuper Chair, Jews for Justice For Palestine said ‘Student occupations over the issue of Palestine have shown the strength of feeling against Israel’s war on Gaza and the shock and horror it invoked among so many people in Britain and elsewhere. We welcome the new energy which has been released as people organise to put the question of Palestinian human, social, economic and political rights squarely on the agenda and express our solidarity and support to those involved in these actions’.

Oussama Mesoui, Head of Campaigns, Federation of Student Islamic Societies said ‘The campaign for justice for a free Palestine must go on. It is an ongoing battle to educate the British public on the facts concerning the Israeli occupation. We must continue, in unity, to educate, to advocate and to lobby’.

Kitty Webster, from the University of East London student occupation said: ‘Following the overwhelming success of our occupation in solidarity with Palestinians, we will continue to fight for justice for Palestinians. Recent events mark a turning point in the struggle to win peace for Palestine’.

For more information contact: students@palestinecampaign.org 0207 700 6192