Student strike for Palestine in Spanish state

“So it’s up to the people to demand justice.”

A wave of anger has swept across the Spanish state after Israel’s assault on the Global Sumud Flotilla. 

Thousands of students took part in a strike for Palestine on Thursday, taking to the streets of Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and other cities. They came after protests the night before—and ahead of mobilisations in the evening. 

Sebastian, a student at an art college in Barcelona, was on the streets. Speaking to Socialist Worker from the protest, he said, “Support for Palestine throughout this country is very strong and widespread. 

“You can find actions, organisations and protests in any province—and even in the small cities and villages. It brings hope to see so many people from such different backgrounds united for a cause.” 

There is widespread support for the Palestine solidarity movement, which has radicalised a new generation. Sebastian said, “I got involved after 7 October. I had never heard about any of this before then, but I wanted to learn about it. 

“Once I did, it led me down a path of conscience and understanding about all mechanisms of oppression. 

“And it made me so aware, I felt I couldn’t stay still and silent any longer. It also helped me understand how all struggles are connected and how what happens in one part of the world cannot be separated from what’s happening in any other place.”

In Seville, students gathered outside the council building on Wednesday night to “denounce the seizure of the flotilla peacefully carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza”.

“The flotilla was abandoned by the Spanish and Italian governments,” one student said reading out a statement. 

“We won’t stand by while a whole people is exterminated—tomorrow we will assemble at midday and in the evening to demand.” 

They demanded “Free the flotilla now,” and, “Free, free Palestine”—and broke into chants of “From the river to the sea.” 

Jesus M Castillo is a professor of ecology at the University of Seville. “We have been having demonstrations since the genocide started in Gaza—one every week, then every month,” he told Socialist Worker. 

“Many people have mobilised against the genocide and think boycotts are very important at every level. We had an occupation last year and the university president called the police to kick out the students. 

“But we have an election process for the president of the university taking place. We, students and staff, are calling for people running for president to condemn genocide and cut every link with Israeli universities.” 

He added, “When the  flotilla was kidnapped, we were very angry. Students went to the city hall and a call started circulating on social media  for demonstrations in every city at 8pm today.”

Students organised the strike through a variety of networks and methods. Sebastian said, “Organisation within students is mostly done via social media and one student union in particular, el Sindicat d’Estudiants. 

“In my case, I get all the info from this union’s Instagram and other groups such as Comunitat Palestina de Catalunya, Prou Complicitat amb Israel and Red Solidaria Contra la Ocupación en Palestina. 

“Even if we’re not part of these groups and unions, me and other students share all the info we get about protests and other actions with the rest of our classmates. 

“Communication and organisation is mostly through word-of-mouth or social media.” 

The Spanish government—of the Labour-type PSOE and left wing Sumar coalition—has denounced the genocide. 

But the movement is demanding that it takes firmer action against the Israeli terror state. “The majority of people see very, very clearly that the Spanish state has to cut every kind of relationship with the state of Israel,” said Jesus. 

“We have been pushing the government to talk and act.” 

Sebastian said, “I can’t speak for every student but I’m pretty sure most of them will agree with my stance. 

“The government hasn’t done anything but the bare minimum and I would even say less than that—which is not even near what it could and should be doing. 

“The arms embargo that was announced not long ago has some questionable loopholes. The recognition of the State of Palestine is good, but it’s not going to help Palestinians if the genocidal entity of “Israel” is not stopped first.” 

He added, “Not long ago, the Spanish president said he was in favour of the ‘two-state solution’ which we all know is not an option. And honestly, it’s insulting to say that after all we’ve seen—the bombing of negotiators, the vetoes and so on. 

“I don’t think we can trust our ‘leaders’ to do anything because they’re only moved by status and money. 

“So it’s up to us, people, to demand justice.”