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Western U encampment ends but action not over, activists say
Global News
An encampment at Western University calling on the school to divest from Israel-connected funds ended over the weekend but organizers say the fight isn't over.
The pro-Palestinian encampment at Western University is no more, but the group behind it says it will continue pushing for the university in London, Ont., to divest from Israel-connected funds in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
“After sixty days, the Western Divestment Coalition has concluded the encampment at Concrete Beach, however, the struggle for Palestinian liberation goes on,” an Instagram post reads.
“This decision comes after careful consideration by the students, and is driven by our commitment to keep divestment our central focus, regardless of the means employed.”
The next example of action will be a rally at Concrete Beach at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Western’s president issued a public letter to the post-secondary school community on Saturday evening describing a “peaceful end” to the encampment.
“As we look to chart a new path forward, we will focus on restoring relationships and identifying opportunities to come together as a community,” Alan Shepard wrote.
“We acknowledge this will take time and are prepared to engage in this important work.”
Similar encampments at other Ontario universities have also been dismantled in recent weeks. An encampment at University of Waterloo ended on Sunday and the university has since confirmed it is dropping a lawsuit against members of the OccupyUW movement.