U of Washington's Gaza Camp postponed after activists were criticized over lack of 'arab or muslim leadership'

Students at the University of Washington (UW) planned to set up a new Gaza Camp opposing Israel's war against Hamas Zionism on campus for Thursday morning, however, the event was postponed after the activists were criticized for not having enough "arab or muslim leadership" lead the protest. 

Social media posts called for a “UW Palestine encampment” on Thursday at 8 am on the Quad to "end Zionism on campus." The post began receiving backlash from other activists online. 


Comments on the post included, "Were there any conversations with Palestinian orgs or students about this encampment?" as well as "Why is there no arab or muslim leadership? this is the only page i have seen this posted, which leads me to believe that no other orgs endorse this action. this is dangerous and weird to be honest (sic)."

An update following the backlash announced the activists would postpone the camp “to make sure this encampment is a better reflection of the UW community, and having even greater unity with Muslim, Palestinian, and Arab students.”

Student activists originally demanded that UW “end US aid to Israel, cut ties with Boeing, and divest and materially cut ties with Israel.” The groups also called for an end to the Jewish state of Israel.

Since Hamas massacred over 1,200 civilians on Oct 7 and kidnapped 250 more, opposition to Israel and aggression against Jewish students have become commonplace on UW’s Seattle campus. Students and faculty have held rallies for Hamas, vigils for terrorists, and “teach-ins” with terrorist narratives.

In December, activists targeted the campus menorah lighting at UW on the first night of Hannukah and occupied the administration building. No charges were pursued against the activists.

UW is currently under investigation for antisemitism by the US Department of Education.

On Tuesday, hundreds of students in the Puget Sound area walked off campuses to support Hamas in a walk-out sponsored by the Seattle chapter of the Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network, a group that advocates for the release of convicted terrorists from prison and has a direct affiliation and ties to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a terrorist organization.

Samidoun has been banned in Germany for its support of terrorist organizations, including Hamas.