American University in Cairo Students Protest University's Ties to Companies Supporting Israeli Occupation

Students at the American University in Cairo (AUC) have been protesting for the second day against the university's dealings with companies that allegedly support the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. The protests, which began on Sunday, are in response to the university's ties with multinational corporations like AXA and Hewlett-Packard (HP) that provide technology and services to the Israeli military and government.

The demonstrations, organized by the Egyptian Boycott, Divest, and Sanction (BDS) movement and the Anthropology Sociology Egyptology Association (ASE), aim to compel the university administration to cut its ties with these companies. Students are demanding that AUC sever connections with AXA, HP, and any other entities linked to Israel, as well as commit to boycotting companies listed by the BDS movement.

The protests have included cultural displays of solidarity with Palestine, such as a performance of the traditional Palestinian Dabke dance. Students have also raised questions and held talks about the destination of their financial contributions, demanding transparency from the university administration regarding its partnerships.

Why this matters: The protests at AUC reflect the ongoing tensions and concerns surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the role of international companies in the occupation. The demonstrations highlight the growing global support for the BDS movement and the increasing pressure on institutions to reevaluate their ties to entities involved in the conflict.

Despite interruptions by campus security, a student managed to take the stage during Palestine Week, a cultural event organized by the student-run Al-Quds Club, and read a statement on behalf of students, alumni, and faculty members. The statement called for the termination of connections with AXA, HP, and other Israel-linked entities, as well as financial transparency and amendments to future contracts with on-campus vendors.

The university administration's attempts to suppress the protest and maintain ties with the corporations were criticized by the audience. The Egyptian BDS movement and ASE reported that university security personnel assaulted several students and shut off the lights in the hall to disperse them, though security later apologized and promised to return a confiscated banner.

The protests at AUC come amid ongoing tensions and violence in the region, with rights groups raising concerns about civilian harm and human rights violations during Israel's military operations in Gaza and the West Bank. As the demonstrations continue, the university administration faces increasing pressure to address student demands and reevaluate its partnerships with companies implicated in the Israeli occupation.

Key Takeaways

• AUC students protest university's ties with firms linked to Israeli occupation
• Protests demand AUC sever ties with AXA, HP, and other Israel-linked entities
• Protests include cultural displays of solidarity and calls for financial transparency
• University security attempts to suppress protests, assaulting students and confiscating banners
• Protests reflect growing global support for BDS movement and pressure on institutions