Students Criticized for Planning Pro-Palestine Protests on October 7 Anniversary

Student activists have faced criticism for scheduling pro-Palestine protests on the anniversary of the October 7 attacks on Israel. The planned march between four London universities coincides with the third anniversary of the Hamas attacks that resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 civilians and the taking of 251 hostages.

The protest, advertised on social media by student groups advocating for an end to what they term the "Palestinian genocide," has been labeled "outrageous" by Raphi Leon, president of the Union of Jewish Students. Leon stated that choosing this specific day for protest is "provocative" and "deliberate."

Education Secretary Lucy Powell echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that October 7 should be a day of "deep mourning." Speaking on LBC Radio, Powell said, "I stand shoulder to shoulder with my Jewish community here in Manchester as well as those who are really appalled by what's unfolded in Gaza too, and I think we can occupy all those positions without causing further division amongst our communities." She also indicated that police were prepared to "take action" if the protests led to "wider harm."

The University of London Coalition, which describes itself as opposing university ties to weapons firms and the state that it claims profit from the conflict, is organizing the march. The planned route includes King's College London, the London School of Economics, Soas University of London, and University College London.

Last year, Sir Keir Starmer condemned a similar protest on the same date, calling it "unBritish" and disrespectful. Israel's retaliatory military campaign in Gaza has led to accusations of "genocide" due to the high number of casualties. The conflict has also been associated with an increase in antisemitic incidents in universities and across the UK over the past three years.

These concerns come in the wake of two arrests on suspicion of a terrorist plot targeting the Jewish community in Manchester, which occurred on the eve of Yom Kippur. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson stated that the force is aware of the planned protest and is in communication with organizers regarding its route and potential impact. "We are committed to upholding people's lawful right to protest," the spokesperson said, adding, "but we are aware of the concern that this event will cause many Londoners, particularly the capital's Jewish communities." The police do not have the legal power to refuse permission for protests but can impose conditions to prevent serious disruption or disorder under the Public Order Act.