Canadian students go on hunger strike to demand school divest from Israeli-linked company

The move comes after months of protests at McGill University and many other schools around the world against Israel's military campaign in Gaza, according to The Guardian .

Documents on McGill University's website show that the school holds investments in companies including Lockheed Martin (a defense contractor that has sold fighter jets to Israel) and Safran (a French defense and aerospace company).

Many students protested at McGill University (Canada) in October 2023

“McGill University has left us no choice as they have ignored peaceful protests on campus,” said Rania Amine, a student at McGill who marked the 33rd day of her hunger strike on March 22. Amine was reportedly hospitalized after fainting and suffering from exhaustion on March 23, according to Middle East Eye .

"McGill has forced us into this extreme situation. We are putting our bodies, our health and our lives at risk to let the school know that they should not use our tuition money to invest in an unacceptable way," Ms Amine added.

Severely malnourished Gaza children on the rise as famine looms

Students are calling on McGill University (one of the most prestigious universities in Canada) to divest about $20 million from various companies.

Ms. Amine said the university was aware of the student protest campaign and agreed to hold a public dialogue on the issue, but the event was canceled. Students said McGill had proposed a private meeting in early March but was rebuffed.

Chadi said that March 22 was the 21st day of his hunger strike. "We want the school to divest or we will be involved in this for a long time. We have proven that we will continue this activity through the number of days we are on hunger strike," he added.

McGill University issued a statement on March 22 saying it was concerned about the health of students participating in the activity. "McGill respects the right to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, within the limits of university policy and state law. We have repeatedly offered to meet directly with the protesting students. Although they have so far declined, this offer remains in effect," the statement added.

"We have clearly communicated our existing procedures regarding investment holdings or policy changes. These students have chosen a different approach. We hope they will understand that university policies will not be determined in this way before their well-being is affected. We urge them to make choices that prioritize their health," McGill said in a statement.

In February, McGill said it would divest from companies listed in the Carbon Underground 200, a list of the top 100 coal companies and the top 100 oil and gas reserve holders, after a years-long campaign by students and faculty.

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