This week, students at the University of Cambridge were shocked to discover that the esteemed academic institution had severed ties with Russia after it invaded Ukraine. In recent days, numerous prestigious universities have been grappling with intense protests from administrations calling for them to cut all academic connections with Israel, including Israeli educational institutions, researchers, and students.
The Free University of Berlin has been one of the primary focal points of these clashes. A protest tent similar to those seen on US campuses was set up there, and at least 20 tents were erected by demonstrators who formed a human chain to prevent security forces from entering the compound.
Other universities that have experienced protests and unrest include France, Italy, Spain, Norway, Denmark, and more. In Berlin alone, Humboldt University saw dozens of arrests as police tried to clear protesters from the campus. Similarly, demonstrations took place at the University of Leipzig.
Universities in Amsterdam, Vienna, Helsinki, Copenhagen, Bologna, Rome, Naples, Valencia, Barcelona, Madrid and other cities have also seen protest camps established. In Paris severe clashes were recorded at Sciences Po University as images surfaced of protesters breaking into buildings where exams were being held. The region’s president suspended funding to the university until order was restored stating that a radical minority advocating for anti-Semitic hatred would not dictate law to the entire educational community.
