Following on from engaging with a solidarity march that appeared outside Front Gate on Saturday, May 4th, Trinity College Dublin Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Group (TCD BDS) protesters have continued, since early Sunday morning, to demonstrate from the windows of House 6 and 7 rooms that face onto College Green in central Dublin.
As well as shouting chants from megaphones, protesters have unfurled Palestinian flags from windows, including one that falls almost the full height of Front Gate buildings, approximately 15 to 20 metres in length.
One protester said that security had been present at one point during the day, but only to ensure protester safety. Trinity security have, at earlier occupations and banner drops in the academic year, forced the removal of Palestinian flags displayed outside Front Gate.
The chants have included the following: “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”; “From the sea to the river, Palestine will live forever”; “Linda in your ivory tower, this is called people power”; “One, two, three, four, occupation no more, five, six, seven, eight, Israel is a terrorist state”.
The University Times has witnessed members of the public opposite the protesters, standing outside the railings of Trinity College Dublin, joining in with chants, clapping, cheering and whistling in support, as well as cars honking their horns whilst passing.
One member of the public has been seen chanting through a megaphone of their own, others also have Palestinian flags and pro-Palestinian banners.
Anan, a Palestinian from Gaza using a megaphone to join the chants, speaking to The University Times, said: “I feel like I’m not alone. I feel the real solidarity. I am hopeful because these people are going to bring the change that’s needed.”
Julka Ślifirska, a Musical Theatre student at the American College of Dublin, also speaking to The University Times, said of the demonstrators: “It is important for them to have support from the outside. It is important to keep this alive, so the public doesn’t forget about the encampment.”
I’m really glad it’s happening, they are all extremely courageous. It’s awakening something in people who are united in something really powerful,” they continued.
Another member of the public was banging together a saucepan and spaghetti spoon in unison with the chants.
Speaking to protesters stationed at the windows has revealed some of the emotions behind engaging with the public.
One protester said it “made me feel proud to be Irish” to see the public support and believed that “if the college does anything that is antagonising towards our efforts they will be looked upon badly by Ireland, and hopefully the world, as a whole”.
Another said: “Even if nothing comes of this geopolitically it has fundamentally brought together so many people who don’t know each other. There is such a strong sense of commitment and community and hopefully this inspires passion in people to speak out and take action.”
Another protester, waving a Palestinian flag, described the public reaction as “empowering” and said: “It is important to get feedback from the public. We want to be able to make that connection.”
“We want to remind them what we are here for and why we care,” said another, taking a break from shouting into their megaphone. “It brings more light to the issue at hand,” they said.
TCD BDS protesters have been present on campus since Friday night and College continues to be shut to those without valid college ID cards.
