By h. nazan ışık—
23 April 2024—
Today is 23 April 2024, which marked the seventh day of Columbia’s ‘Gaza Solidarity Encampment’.
In the evening, President Shafik sent an email with a midnight deadline for clearing the encampment.
Hundreds of students with hundreds of supporters gathered outside the gates of Columbia at night,
Students and supporters gathered outside the gates of Columbia at night,
Police were in front of the gates, observing protesters.
Protesters were between barricades which were set before by the NYPD.
Protesters had ‘Freedom for Ahmad Sa’adat’ sign as well, Ahmad Sa’adat, the imprisoned General Secretary of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).
It was a crowded but very peaceful protest. Protesters were chanting; “Free Palestine!”
Protesters used darbuka, davul (drum), def (tambourine) to add some music to chanting. I believe the person who played the darbuka was a professional percussionist, sounded very good.
Or they used their hands for music along with tambourine (def).
Or a pot with a spoon. Even passerbys joined them by clapping.
Police were just watching them.
More “Freedom for Palestine” signs.
EMS was ready in case he was needed.
One of the and the main demands: “End All U.S. Aid to Apartheid Israel”
Late hours, before midnight deadline for clearing the encampment new protesters joined the crowd.
I saw some movements, new police cars, and new police officers arrived.
I asked one of the NYPD captains if they received an invitation from President Shafik to get into campus.
“ No, nothing tonight! Just shift change!” said he.
The administration updated the deadline from 00:00 (12:00 am) to 08:00 (8 a.m).
It was a peaceful protest.
All Photographs © h. nazan ışık
© h. nazan ışık / NKENdiKEN