By Justin Choi

On November 19, 2024, more than 100 pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in Bruin Plaza at the University of California, Los Angeles. The protest was organized once again by the university’s Students for Justice in Palestine group.

In an Instagram post, the group called for students to stand in solidarity for “workers’ rights and divestment from Blackstone.” SJP called for protesters to wear masks and to meet up in Bruin Plaza at 12 p.m. 

At the rally on Tuesday, pro-Palestinian speakers called for the University of California (UC) to support the demands of AFSCME Local 3299, the UC’s largest employee union, to divest from Blackstone. SJP has claimed that Blackstone has evicted Palestinians from their homes and has also made housing less affordable for UC workers. In 2023, the UC invested in Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust, which sparked debate over housing affordability in the UC.  

According to the Daily Bruin, the pro-Palestinian protesters chanted, “Free, free Palestine,” and accused the UC of profiting off of “genocide.” There were also a few counter-protesters who chanted, “Am Yisrael Chai,” which means “the people of Israel live.” UCPD later reported on X that three people were arrested for blocking access to Bruin Walk and one person was arrested for interfering with an officer. 

This comes as the war between Israel and Gaza has reached its 13th month, and the number of casualties on both sides is increasing by the day. These pro-Palestine protests have also been occurring across the country throughout the year. Despite the acts of terror committed by Hamas on October 7, 2023, the Students for Justice in Palestine group has failed to denounce Hamas and anti-Semitism.

Anti-Israel protests across college campuses have led to a rise in anti-Semitism attacks. For example, two Jewish students, who were just walking, were attacked at the University of Pittsburgh in late August. Similar attacks also occurred at DePaul University, as reported by ABC.