Pro-Palestinian Encampment Set Up at Binghamton University

Dozens of people gathered near Binghamton University's administration building to express their support for the Palestinian people as the war between Israel and Hamas continues.

Tents were set up Wednesday evening on a portion of the Peace Quad on the Vestal campus.

Posters supporting the Palestinian people and opposing financial support to companies that supply the Israeli military were displayed along the perimeter of the encampment.

Some of those who spoke to the gathering on a sunny Thursday afternoon encouraged those who were participating not to engage with people they called "agitators."

Participants also were warned that their pictures might be taken during the event. They were encouraged to wear masks in an effort to conceal their identity to prevent harassment.

Some Jewish students showed up to stage a counter-protest. They sought to remind people about the deadly attack by Hamas terrorists that sparked the war.

A few people engaged in spirited discussions on the Peace Quad early in the afternoon. No problems were reported.

One Jewish student who is about to graduate said she had felt safe on the campus during her years studying at Binghamton University. She said she now has some concerns for her safety because of some of the signs she observed at the protest.

Binghamton University police officers and supervisors closely monitored the activity just a few yards south of the administration building.

VIDEO: The scene at the Binghamton University Peace Quad on May 2, 2024.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.