Several speakers came to the event, which was attended by over 100 people, including Richard Haley and Julia Davidson from Scotland Against Criminalising Communities, as well as representatives from the Glasgow-Palestine Human Rights Campaign and International Solidarity Movement Scotland. Said Sarah Glynn, of Scottish Jews for a Just Peace, "It is really uplifting to see the growing movement in support of the people of Palestine".

The students have been occupying College Hall since Wednesday and are now in their fifth day of occupation. Said one protester, "We will stay until our demands are met".

Students occupying a key university building in St Andrews are claiming support from Noam Chomsky, Rob Harper MSP, Sandra White MSP, Pauline McNeill MSP, the Islamic University of Gaza, and others.

Said Chomsky, "I am very pleased to learn about the courageous and honorable actions of the students at St. Andrews". Robin Harper MSP expressed similar sentiments, "Well done -- keep it up".

Pauline McNeill MSP was adamant that the actions of St. Andrews students were making a difference while Sandra White MSP said, "My faith in humanity has been lifted by you all".

The occupiers are demanding that the university:

-Cancel its contract with Israeli water company Eden Springs, illegally bottling water from the Golan Heights
-Put a review process in place for ties to military research companies including BAE
-Set up a scholarship programme for Palestinian students
-Send aid to Gaza in the form of equipment and by publisise the DEC appeal
-Send medical supplies to Gaza from the Bute Medical School.

Please send messages of support and solidarity to  standrewsoccupation@googlemail.com. Please feel free to copy them to Dr. Louise Richardson at the Office of the Principal,  principal@st-andrews.ac.uk

E-mail:  standrewsoccupation@googlemail.com
 http://twitter.com/StASolidarity
 http://standrewsunioccupation.wordpress.com