Pro-Palestine Protest and Vigil Held at the University of Leicester

The demonstration marked Nakba Day and called on the University to end affiliations with arms-linked companies

A protest and vigil opposing the University of Leicester's affiliations with organisations linked

to Israel were held on campus and in the adjacent Victoria Park on May 15.

The demonstration coincided with Nakba Day, which is observed annually on May 15 to

commemorate the displacement of Palestinians during the founding of the state of Israel.

The day follows Israel’s Independence Day, celebrated on May 14.

Organised by the pro-Palestinian activist group Leicester Action for Palestine, the protest

began outside the David Wilson Library, where demonstrators gathered, held signs, and

chanted. One student recalled being shouted at as she passed by the protest “I can't

remember exactly what they said, something like ‘you’re ignoring Palestine’ or something,’

recalls the student. “It’s a bit awkward, I'm not ignoring Palestine, I just have to meet my

professor.”

Leicester Action for Palestine has organised multiple pro-Palestinian demonstrations over

the past year, both on campus and across the city.

Speaking to Leicester Student News, a University of Leicester student who attended the

protest said, “It was a really inspiring thing to be involved in. It was good to see the smiles

and support from people around us.”

One of the so-called ‘Leicester Eleven’ was also present at the demonstration. The

‘Leicester Eleven’ refers to a group of protesters who were arrested during a pro-Palestine

“The speech from the arrestee was super super powerful — they really got the energy

going,” the student added.

“I hope next time we can have more people there, but this was during exams, so I get it.”

Activists have repeatedly criticised the University’s ongoing research partnerships with

Rolls-Royce, a company involved in producing components for the F-35 fighter jet—an

aircraft actively used in Gaza and the West Bank. Activists are demanding the University cut

ties with the company.

In a joint statement published online, the University of Leicester and Leicester Students’ Union said:

“We sincerely hope that a new ceasefire can be agreed and bring a peaceful end to the

conflict, paving the way for a permanent, sustainable resolution.”

“Over the last 18 months, senior University leaders, along with the Students’ Union, have

been engaging regularly with staff, students, and societies. We are listening to concerns and

different perspectives, reminding people of the support available. We will continue to do

everything we can to support our diverse community.”

“This continues to be an incredibly challenging time and we continue to encourage those

affected, in any way, to consider the support available to them, at any time."

The University was contacted in response to the protest, but refrained from giving a statement.

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