Nationwide campus protests in the United States against Israel's strikes on Gaza continue to grow, with security heightened in many campus encampments.

Hundreds of students filled the protest encampment at the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) in support of Palestine on Saturday, day three of their demonstration. Students are closely watching what's happening in the Middle East.

"I think that our resolve here is stronger, and our demand for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and a divestment by the UC of its endowment from corporations that profit off a genocide of Palestinians," said Vincent Doehr, a graduate student and protester spokesman.

The university has not responded to the specific demands. But it said it supports the rights of free speech in the community. Administrators also want to minimize disruption to teaching and classes.

Security around the encampment has increased in an effort to prevent congestion. But a segment of the Jewish community is voicing discontent with the growth of these protests.

"There's freedom of speech, and then there's going over about it. I went to school in Texas and seeing how the state of Texas and UT (University of Texas) Austin handled all these protests, sending these state troopers, making arrests. That's the way to handle it," said Jacob Bonnin, a graduate student.

The organizers have established strict community guidelines that enforce mutual respect for all. They've also hand-picked spokespeople to make sure their message represents everyone here.

"We come in as a broad coalition of our community members. It includes people of all faiths. It includes many prominent Jewish organizers on our campus, as well as organizations that are explicitly Jewish, such as the Jewish Voice for Peace, Students for Justice in Palestine. Many of these organizations have Jewish chairs, co-Chairs. There was a Passover Seder and a Sabbath dinner inside the encampment. I would point out that, the Jewish people are not a monolith," said Doehr.

While protests have been largely peaceful, large counter protests are expected in the area in the coming days.

In other cities, some universities have moved to shut down encampments after reports of antisemitic activity.

SHOTLIST:
Los Angeles, California, USA - April 27, 2024
1. Royce Hall on UCLA campus;
2. Various of protest encampment, protesters, placards with messages supporting Palestine;
3. SOUNDBITE (English) Vincent Doehr, graduate student/protester spokesman (starting with shot 2):
"I think that our resolve here is stronger, and our demand for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and a divestment by the UC of its endowment from corporations that profit off a genocide of Palestinians.";
4. Various of encampment, protest signs;
5. Various of security;
6. Encampment;
7. SOUNDBITE (English) Jacob Bonnin, graduate student (starting with shot 6):
"There's freedom of speech, and then there's going over about it. I went to school in Texas and seeing how the state of Texas and UT (University of Texas) Austin handled all these protests, sending these state troopers, making arrests. That's the way to handle it.";
8. Various of protesters, security;
9. SOUNDBITE (English) Vincent Doehr, graduate student/protester spokesman (ending with shot 10):
"We come in as a broad coalition of our community members. It includes people of all faiths. It includes many prominent Jewish organizers on our campus, as well as organizations that are explicitly Jewish, such as the Jewish Voice for Peace, Students for Justice in Palestine. Many of these organizations have Jewish chairs, co-Chairs. There was a Passover Seder and a Sabbath dinner inside the encampment. I would point out that, the Jewish people are not a monolith.";
10. Protest sign.

Washington D.C., USA - Recent
11. Various of campus encampment, protester waving Palestinian flag;
12. Palestinian flag covering George Washington statue.

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