Israel-Hamas war rally occurs at CSU San Marcos

SAN MARCOS, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Campus protests over the Israel-Hamas war have come to Cal State University San Marcos. Pro-Palestinian and Pro-Israeli protesters showed up for the rally.

The rally decried the university’s ties to Israel.

“We are students, stand here in solidarity of the people of Palestine,” said Angelo Cortiz, a Cal State University San Marcos student.

It was written in the protest signs and draped from campus buildings that Cal State University San Marcos students are calling for the university to divest from Israel.

Cal State University San Marcos has joined other universities across the nation in protesting their disapproval of the Israel-Hamas war, specifically the thousands of lives lost.

“And it is not OK for them to be committing a genocide that has lasted for over seven months,” a student who wanted to remain anonymous said.

The university said they were aware of the protest ahead of time.

In a statement, they state: “Cal State San Marcos is focused on ensuring the safety of our students, faculty, staff, and guests while supporting the right to free speech and peaceful assembly. CSUSM is equally committed to our inclusive educational environment and aims to minimize the disruption to our teaching and learning mission.”

Cortiz said he hopes the protest will encourage the university to respond to students' calls to divest.

“We as students have the power to make a change by interacting on campus using our freedom of expression to try convince try to persuade the university to make real change,” Cortiz said.

Protesters supporting Israel tried to engage with Pro-Palestinian protesters. However, in a post on Instagram from the Student Justice For Palestine, protesters were told not to engage with counter-protesters.

“All I want is for there to be peaceful dialogue and a discussion for what is happening,” said Brandon Raik, a CSUSM student, protesting in support of Israel.

“No I personally do not respect it, I am one for dialogue, and I respect their freedom of speech and right to protest,” Raik answered when asked if he respects that the protesters do not want to engage with him.

Raik said he disagrees with the Pro-Palestinian messages.

“Yes, Free Palestine from Hamas of course, but they are not chanting for Free Palestine, the difference is they are chanting, they want the execution of Jews…via from the river to the sea and the intifada,” Raik said.

“We are absolutely against all forms of genocide, regardless of who it happens to. But right now, the Palestinian people need our support,” Cortiz said.

Students on both sides of the protest are divided on coming together for discussion.

“I don’t think there is ever going to be a discussion, if they are being told at their core not to interact with a bunch of peaceful protesters,” Raik said.

“I believe we can all get along, but it’s tough, we are in a state that is so divided…But right now we need to meet people where they are at, and overcome those boundaries that keep us from having those civil discussions,” Cortiz said.

Police were never called to the scene, and the protest ended peacefully.

Regarding divestment, the university states:

“CSUSM’s endowment does not include direct investments in specific defense companies or any securities issued by or to defense firms.”

Additionally, click here to read CSU’s statement on divestment.