International

Trinity College Protests Prompt Campus Restrictions And Book Of Kells Closure

Published

8 months ago

May 4, 2024.

Students erect pro-Palestinian camp at Ireland's Trinity College

Trinity College Dublin protests Israeli actions in Gaza, leading to campus restrictions and closure of Book of Kells exhibit.
Students demand university cut ties with Israeli institutions and divest from Israel-linked companies.
Conflict escalates as Gaza casualties rise; Ireland pledges support for Palestinian rights.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that protesters at Trinity College Dublin have established an encampment in opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza.

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This led the university to enact restrictions on campus access and temporarily close the renowned Book of Kells exhibition, a prominent tourist attraction in Ireland.

The encampment was erected following reports that Trinity College’s students’ union incurred a significant fine of 214,000 euros ($230,000) from the university due to various protests, not solely related to the Gaza conflict.

Laszlo Molnarfia, the president of the students’ union, shared images on social media showing benches barricading the entrance to the Book of Kells building on Friday, announcing the indefinite closure of the exhibition.

Students erect pro-Palestinian camp at Ireland’s Trinity College

In response to safety concerns, Trinity College limited campus access to students, staff, and residents, with the closure of the Book of Kells exhibition on Saturday.

Similar to student movements across the United States, demonstrators at Trinity College are advocating for the severance of ties between the university and Israeli institutions, as well as divestment from companies with links to Israel.

Similar protests have also occurred at universities in Australia and Canada.

In a recent statement, Linda Doyle, the university’s head, disclosed that Trinity College is reassessing its investments in various companies and that decisions regarding collaboration with Israeli institutions are left to individual academics.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which began with Hamas militants’ attacks on Israel in October, has resulted in significant casualties, with over 34,600 Palestinians reported killed by health officials in Gaza.