Large crowds gathered on the Main Quad last month to mark the death anniversary of a UCL alumnus killed by Israel.
Dr Refaat Alareer, who studied at UCL in 2007 and taught English literature at the Islamic University of Gaza, was killed last year by an Israeli airstrike.
A vigil organised by UCL Stands for Justice, the group behind the pro-Palestine encampment on the Quad last summer, was held on 6 December on the anniversary of Dr Alareer’s death.
Haya, President of the SOAS Palestine Society, said: “We’re here to honour the martyrs because that’s our responsibility.
“I’m still allowed to continue my studies but thousands of Palestinian students were either murdered or unable to graduate because of what’s going on.”
Over 45,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s onslaught on Gaza since the October 7 attacks, including at least 140 journalists and 120 academics.
Vigil organisers criticised UCL’s continued refusal to issue a statement acknowledging the murder of the late literary scholar.
They said the University’s ongoing review of investments was a welcome sign but remained sceptical of its outcome.
Egyptian journalist Rahma Zein urged attendees to channel their outrage into action.
She said: “This hurt should fuel you because that’s the only way to reach your goal.”
She called for defying inaction and told attendees not to wait for institutions like UCL to fulfill their moral duty.
A UCL spokesperson said: “The ongoing violence and suffering in Gaza and Israel is terribly distressing and we recognise the deep impact it has had on UCL’s community, many of whom are directly affected and greatly concerned. We continue to work to support all those affected by this.”
This article appeared in CG89
