STUDENTS RISE UP FOR PALESTINE & SAY NO TO GENOCIDE!

The student movement in support of Palestine and against the Zionist genocide now taking place in Gaza and the West Bank began at Columbia University in New York City on April 17, 2024. Students from across the USA, Europe, Canada and Quebec have now joined the movement. Among Canadian and Quebec Universities are McGill, UBC, U of Ottawa, Western, U of Victoria, Vancouver Island U, and U of T.

In all cases the students are demanding that universities disclose and divest their investments in Israel and in corporations directly involved in the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian Territories. In addition students are demanding that universities cut ties with Israeli universities noting that the Zionist regime has systematically destroyed every university and school in Gaza.

It is noteworthy that progressive Jewish students, faculty and community members are participating in and supporting the campus actions. In fact, Passover prayers and rituals were celebrated at numerous student protests. Far from being antisemitic these demonstrations focus on opposing Zionism, a specifically racist ideology which has described Palestinians as “human animals”.

The Canadian Peace Congress recognizes that these powerful protests are very similar to those of the 1960s and 70s when students rose up against the imperialist war against Vietnam. We salute the brave actions of students across Canada, Quebec, the USA and Europe. Without question we note that, just as during the Vietnam war, students are in the forefront of the struggle against war, aggression, and genocide. 

The Congress and all our chapters across Canada have been longtime supporters of peace and justice for Palestine. We share the deep concern of the Palestinian solidarity movement. The Zionist state of Israel must stop its genocidal war in Gaza and the West Bank. It must return to the 1967 borders and allow all Palestinians to return to their homes dating back to 1948/49 in accordance with numerous UN resolutions.

The Congress demands that the Canadian government permanently halt all arms sales and military support for Zionist Israel. Canada must call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and step up efforts to get humanitarian aid into Gaza to avert starvation. It must support international efforts to hold Zionist officials accountable for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Disclose & Divest Now! Boycott Israeli Universities Now!
End the Genocide Now! Free Free Palestine!

Issued by the Executive, Canadian Peace Congress

May 2, 2024