It has been a very long time since so many Oxford students risked the censure of police and proctors on such a scale. The Clarendon building hasn’t been occupied in protest since the 60s. In comparison to those heady days of student activism, modern students can appear quiescent, more concerned with finals and internships. And of all universities, Oxford can seem the most sluggish of all in activism, thanks to the money that students bring with them or plan to make after leaving.
So it was a pleasant surprise when students from a range of different backgrounds and societies converged on the Bodleian today. The worthiness of the cause should not be in doubt: Israeli military action in Gaza only in the past few weeks has led to hundreds of deaths, indiscriminately affecting women, children and combatants, and worsened shortages in food, water and basic amenities. Moreover, Olmert’s policy has been not only immoral, but utterly counter to the interests of Israel. While the current crop of Hamas leaders may have been decimated, a future generation of fighters has been secured and one of the most promising democracies of the Arab world has been jeopardised.
‘Selfish’ was the word chosen by one student to describe the protest. Yet what could be more selfish than to consider a few hours of work more important than hundreds of deaths: people who give up their time for such causes should be praised. The protest did not even disrupt students’ work, restricting itself to University offices.
It’s true that you can’t see the same reward for time spent at a protest as you might at work or study, but that forms the entire point: the power of protest is something is important enough to make Oxford students give up their valuable time. To force them to change, our leaders need to see our willingness to make futile gestures.
‘Oxford is a brand’ was the reasoning of one protestor, and it’s true: if the a prestigious academic institution condemns the invasion of Gaza, that makes a difference. Even if all that happens is that the world sees Oxford students protesting, that will be worthwhile too. It’s about showing you care.
