On the night of the 23rd January around 100 Cambridge University
students gathered to watch John Pilgers' film "Palestine is still the
issue". The film is touching, documenting the second Intifada, and the
continuing occupation of Palestine.

There was something special in the air: the film was followed by a
debate, on what can be done by students in the country to meaningfully
react to the situation in Palestine. The debate is still raging
around me. It is clear some were already set on a course of action:
occupations around the country have been blossoming and a plan is
discussed about taking the building and occupying it.

The arguments for and against are still raging: on one hand
occupations in other places were successful to get scholarships for
Palestinian students – a tangible outcome. On the other hand people
voiced concerns that an occupation should be the "last resort", after
demands have been put to the University. Practical problems of
advertising the action are also being considered, as well as how to
effectively hold the building.
The climate of fear about doing something wrong was slightly comical
for such a low-key action. People mentioned the threat of being
charged with "aggravated trespass" as well as getting in trouble with
the University authorities. The following discussion calmed those who called the
action "extreme", and laughter was heard as the action was likened to
taking hostages.

At the end of about an hour of discussion back and forth a vote was
taken, and a majority decided to take the building for the night, and
re-vote on whether to continue with the action tomorrow morning.
Teams of people moved swiftly to keep the doors open for access in and
out, and others started scouting for toilets and wi-fi access.

People are still arriving from other meetings, others have been
dispatched to bring food and blankets. If you want to do something to raise the profile of Gaza, your time has come! The occupation is on in the
Law faculty building, Sidgwick Site, Cambridge, UK.



for a map of the occupied building see:  http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en-ha-emea-uk-goog-gm&utm_medium=ha&utm_term=maps