Hundreds of students at University of California, Berkeley have participated in a walkout in support of Palestine and calling for an end to American support for Israel. 

Led by several student organizations, including Graduate Students for Palestine, Law Students for Justice in Palestine, Bears For Palestine, the Muslim Student Association, and Palestinian Public Health, the walkout Wednesday afternoon was part of a larger national rally.

Protesting students, many who had walked out of their classes, called for an end to what they describe as retaliatory bombing following Hamas’ deadly attacks on Israelis earlier this month, as well as the occupation that students at the rally blame on “systemized genocide” and perceived complicity on the part of many American weapons manufacturers.

The groups involved titled the rally “Walk Out Against Genocide, Settler-Colonialism and the Siege on Gaza.”

Hatem Bazian, a lecturer in the Department of Comparative Ethnic Studies focusing on the Middle East, also spoke at the event in support of the students rallying.

“We really have to show the utmost support and respect for students that are doing organizing under the most extreme conditions, being targeted not only from external forces but also their own professors,” Bazian said.

“Berkeley and students have made tremendous contributions. We are standing on this plaza where not only Mario Savio spoke on the free speech movement but also the anti-Vietnam War activist’s movement and the anti-apartheid movement. Berkeley was the major center in challenging apartheid. Now today we have this notion of silencing dissent,” Bazian added. “Israel’s position is no longer defensible.”

“Palestinians for decades have been dealing with all sorts of human rights abuses on behalf of the Israeli government. They’ve been subjected to bombings that have wiped out thousands of their civilians. It’s a human rights issue for me.”

Arman Azedi, UC Irvine student

The school’s Dean’s Office later emailed the UC Berkeley community addressing the speech rights of professors, without naming anyone specifically.

“I write to remind people of University policy as pertains to academic freedom and political advocacy in the classroom,” wrote Benjamin Hermalin, the executive vice chancellor and provost of the university. “While instructors enjoy considerable freedom and all individuals, when acting as private citizens, enjoy free speech rights, University policy does impose limits on using the classroom or one’s course for purposes of political advocacy.” 

Students from other campuses also attended, such as Arman Azedi, a student at UC Irvine.

“Palestinians for decades have been dealing with all sorts of human rights abuses on behalf of the Israeli government,” said Azedi. “They’ve been subjected to bombings that have wiped out thousands of their civilians. It’s a human rights issue for me.”

Condemnation on Hamas’ attacks

Not everyone at the university is in support of the student groups, however.

On Oct. 18, over 300 professors at Berkeley signed a letter condemning the Hamas’ attacks and the reaction of some student groups. 

“Some in our campus community have described these massacres perpetrated by Hamas as ‘resistance’ to be ‘celebrated’ in a ‘freedom struggle.’ This is repugnant and indefensible,” the letter read.

A case of violence also occurred at Wednesday’s rally, according to UC police. Around 1:30 p.m., a UC Berkeley student reported he had been the victim of battery and assault. 

“Two suspects had approached the victim and attempted to steal the Israeli flag he was holding,” said UC Police Sgt. Jacob Westlie. “The victim held onto his flag, and the suspects then began pulling on his backpack, causing his metal water bottle to fall to the ground. One of the suspects picked up the water bottle and struck the victim in the head with it.” 

The victim did not need medical attention and the suspects fled, Westlie said.

“Some in our campus community have described these massacres perpetrated by Hamas as ‘resistance’ to be ‘celebrated’ in a ‘freedom struggle.’ This is repugnant and indefensible.”

Excerpt from the letter signed by Berkeley professors

The university’s Chancellor, Carol Christ, has attempted to balance the deeply divisive views of students on campus through a statement released Oct. 11 to the press and emailed to students.

“Like many of you, I am heartbroken by the terrible violence and suffering in Israel and Gaza,” she wrote. “The brutal attack by Hamas on Israel, the killing of so many innocent people — including children and the elderly — and the taking of hostages, fill me with grief and dismay. Israel’s subsequent blockade and bombing of the Gaza Strip is causing the loss of yet more innocent lives.”

Mental health resources were also highlighted in the email for those students seeking emotional support.