Two clear opinions, around the occupation of the University of Geneva. On the one hand, “we must welcome the occupation, a democratic movement”. On the other hand, “taking our university hostage is not intended to encourage constructive dialogue.” Debate.
United States, France, Switzerland and, this Tuesday, EPFL and the University of Geneva. The wave of occupations of university buildings today requires the various rectorates to take a position on the conflict in Gaza. At UNIGE, Palestinian flags and slogans against the State of Israel were brandished.
For the socialist deputy Sylvain Thévoz, today’s occupation of Uni Mail is legitimate. “We must welcome the occupation. It’s a democratic movement with young people who are mobilizing and getting involved in the face of a massacre that is affecting communities,” he says.
Facing him, the secretary general of CICAD Johanne Gurfinkiel begins a different analysis: “The taking of our university hostage is not intended to encourage a constructive dialogue which goes in the direction of peace”.
Controversial banner
A symbol of divergence, a banner mentioning “from the river to the sea” sows discord. There is no ambiguity in the message, believes Johane Gurfinkiel, who emphasizes that these same terms are the subject of various condemnations throughout the world. The CICAD member notes a “vindictive attitude” reinforcing a “deleterious climate”. He perceives this message as a call for the eradication of the State of Israel and its population.
The Socialist Party MP does not see the message of this banner in the same way. “It is a call for a state that can be confederal, in multiple forms. We must not make the banners say what they do not say […] If they want to say “the State of Israel must not exist, the Jews must be put into the sea”, it must be condemned. But we must not condemn everyone,” he explains.
Deep disagreement
With this occupation, Sylvain Thévoz deplores widespread confusion and does not see any “hostage taking”. “It’s as if the history of this conflict had begun on October 7, 2023. We know it, it’s false. There has been colonization for 70 years, a desire to destroy a people. We need to take perspective” recommends the MP who wishes to point out that the action underway at Uni Mail is in accordance with the occupation charter.
For Johane Gurfinkiel, the facts show the opposite. “Teachers tell me ‘I have the impression of finding myself in Gaza’,” says the secretary general of CICAD. He deplores that “certain elected officials have taken the step of encouraging this type of movement”.
The CICAD’s concern is clear: “Our fellow Swiss citizens of the Jewish faith must not be confronted with such a situation, that they no longer feel safe that this situation generates fear.”
Finally, Sylvain Thévoz delivers his version of what is at stake in this occupation: “the real issue is democratic expression or its blocking. We must punish slippages.”
