California State University Students Launch Hunger Strike to Protest Israeli Aid Blockade

Strategic Insights -

California State University students are embarking on a hunger strike to draw attention to the Israeli aid blockade in Gaza, which has pushed two million Palestinians toward famine. The strike, which began on May 5, is a fresh wave of protests on college campuses against the blockade and the university system's investment in companies that produce military and surveillance technology.

Key Takeaways:

  • The hunger strike, led by Students for Justice in Palestine, involves students from San Jose State, Sacramento State, San Francisco State, and CSU Long Beach, with the aim of protesting the Israeli aid blockade in Gaza and the university system's investment in companies that produce military and surveillance technology.
  • The strikers are pushing for the California State University system to divest from weapons manufacturers, including Lockheed Martin, Palantir, and Leonardo, and to sever study abroad programs with Israeli universities.
  • Organizers cite the aid blockade's devastating impact on Gaza, with millions of Palestinians at risk of starvation, as well as Israel's finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich's, recent assertion that "Gaza will be entirely destroyed."
  • Professors and faculty members have expressed solidarity with the hunger strike, highlighting the symbolic ties between the mass protests in Gaza and the reality of ongoing human rights violations.
  • The hunger strike is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a broader wave of protests against the Israeli aid blockade, with thousands of protesters gathering globally to express their support for the Palestinian cause.

Statistics:

  • Over two million Palestinians in Gaza are at risk of starvation due to the Israeli aid blockade.
  • The blockade has been in place for its second month, with mounting international criticism and calls for its lifting.
  • 12% of the California State University system's assets are invested in companies that produce military and surveillance technology.
  • The university system has allocated $10 million in funds dedicated to divestment initiatives, including the Human Rights IPS Screening.

Sources:

  • Students for Justice in Palestine press release, May 5
  • Guardian, Amy Bentley-Smith, CSU's director of media relations, statement
  • Various student protesters and professors at Sacramento State University, San Francisco State University, CSU Long Beach, and San Jose State University