Students protest at Ben Gurion University
Photo: Herzl Yosef
Most university students remain on strike
Strike against planned hike in tuition fees persists despite threats of semester’s cancellation; protesters at Ben Gurion University yell ‘traitors’ at fellow students trying to make their way to class
A small number of university students attended class Tuesday, defying an ongoing strike against a planned hike in tuition fees.
But most students boycotted classes, undeterred by threats from university heads to cancel the semester if the strike was not called off.
Confrontations were reported between opponents and backers of the strike in the vicinity of campuses nationwide.
Entrance to Ben Gurion University on Tuesday (photo: Herzl Yosef)
At Be’er Sheva’s Ben Gurion University students gathered near the entrance gate and yelled “traitors” at those making their way to the main campus. Others entered the university through different gates to avoid the protesters.
“I agree with their (strikers’) intentions and goals, but it’s too little too late, and they are going about it the wrong way,” Ofra Ben-Porat, who is studying for an MA in sociology at the university, told Ynet. “It’s no wonder that they’re not achieving anything.”
Roman Baron of the university's student union admitted that the current struggle lacks leadership. Fellow student Sarit Habshush said dozens of students were planning a hunger strike beginning Wednesday.
