A Space for Palestinians on Campus

 

As a Palestinian student at the University of Toronto, the encampment has been the only place on campus where I feel we can talk about Palestine for what it is and what it can be

The University of Toronto Palestinian solidarity encampment, or the People’s Circle for Palestine, was set up on May 2 at 4 a.m.

The kitchen was soon set up, consisting of two big canopies with tables. Adjacent to it is the kitchen salon.

The salon was started two weeks into the camp as a space for the kitchen team to rest between services. We learned very quickly that the salon was not serving its intended purpose; rather, it became one of the central spaces of political conversation in the circle.

Everyone is there debating on religion, politics, and even what a free Palestine will look like. Everyone shares stories about where they come from, their families, and — my personal favourite — why they ended up at the encampment. If there aren’t enough chairs people will find coolers or buckets to sit on to join the conversation.

As a Gazan student, it reminds me of home. The kitchen as a central focus of culture and conversation seems only right at a Palestinian solidarity encampment.

Though, it’s not just at the salon. It’s the library, the information tent, the entry gates to the camp, and all the various third spaces we created to foster these conversations, which often go on very late into the night.  (more...)

A Space for Palestinians on Campus