'We're not going anywhere,' say pro-Palestinian protesters at McGill encampment

Students camping out on the McGill University campus in solidarity with Palestinians for a second day say they won't go anywhere until the university divests from funds with ties to weapons manufacturers, commercial banks, technology firms and other companies they say are "complicit in upholding the apartheid regime of Israel."

Some students slept at the encampment overnight, while others left and came back in the morning. They held Palestinian flags and signs that read "McGill funds genocide" and "McGill, you have blood on your hands." 

The encampment of about 20 tents was struck after students launched similar protests on campuses across the United States.

Two student groups, McGill Hunger Strike for Palestine and Students for Justice in Palestine, released a database earlier this month listing 50 companies that the university invests in that the groups say have "links to the ongoing Palestinian genocide." 

Companies, banks and other organizations are included on the list for a variety of reasons, according to the database — such as investing in firms that provide weapons or technology to the Israeli military; operating in illegal settlements; investing in Israeli companies; or operating in Israel.

In a statement, McGill University said it hires external fund managers to handle its investments and "does not invest directly in individual stocks or companies."

But that response isn't satisfying to McGill student Umniah Tareq, who is Palestinian.

"I didn't know there was so much money and so much tangible investment going to the genocide of my people, the violence that happens back home," she said.

Tareq said it was "empowering" to see students come together and make their voices heard. She said the university has so far ignored concerns about its investment policies brought forward by students and highlighted at protests and teach-ins.

CBC's interview with Tareq was interrupted by Laura Nezri, a passerby who said she wanted to "see the situation" for herself. She asked Tareq if she blamed Hamas for the violence in Gaza. Tareq responded by saying she doesn't "engage with Zionists."

"I'm very concerned with what's happening. I'm very worried," Nezri said. "I'm a Jew, I'm a proud Jew and I have no shame in saying that.

"I think that we're at extremes. They stand up for so many different principles, and with such a loud and obnoxious voice, but when you give them your opposing opinion, they cut you off."

Another student, who didn't give their name out of fear of retaliation from the university and law enforcement, told CBC the students are prepared to camp out as long as they can: "We're not going anywhere."

Israel launched its war against Hamas after the militant group's attacks on Israel on Oct. 7. During the attacks, some 1,200 people were killed and around 250 were taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. More than 130 hostages are still being held in Gaza, including women and children.