Asian Pacific Health Corps’ Official Statement of Solidarity with Palestine

May 3rd, 2024

The acts of violence that occurred in Royce Quad from April 30th, 2024 to May 2nd, 2024 were undeniable acts of injustice. For the past week, all eyes have been on the Palestine Solidarity Encampment at UCLA, aimed at demanding full divestment of UCLA and UC funds sent to Israel for genocide and apartheid in Palestine. On Tuesday night, the peaceful pro-Palestine encampment was heinously attacked by counter-protestors who shot fireworks, tore away metal barricades, maced, and violently attacked pro-Palestine protesters with planks of wood. All the while, UCLA administration, campus security, UCPD, and LAPD idled with no action to protect its students from being actively assaulted. 

Media reports have falsely depicted the situation, calling attacks unilaterally initiated by counter-protesters “clashes” and “duels”, implying equal engagement from both sides. Additionally, UCLA administration has continued to take an ambiguous stance in addressing the current situation and is avoiding taking responsibility for the lack of protection and harm caused for the institution’s students and faculty.

The following day, UCLA administration authorized LAPD, CHP, and LSD to fire tear gas, flash bangs, and rubber bullets at students to dismantle the peaceful protest, culminating in the arrest of 210 individuals. On the other hand, UCLA has continually allowed Zionist counter-protesters to congregate on campus grounds and spew hateful speech. UCLA’s administration has failed us – denouncing any truth behind its alleged support for communities of color while continuing to foster white supremacy – and must be held accountable.

The Asian Pacific Health Corps of UCLA firmly opposes all acts of violence committed against the peaceful demonstrators at the Palestine Solidarity Encampment. We stand resolutely with the Palestinian community in their ongoing struggle for freedom and liberation, a battle that has spanned more than 75 years. This struggle is familiar to many in the API community, as we have suffered and are still dealing with the repercussions of tragedies, such as the Vietnam War and the Cambodian genocide. While the names and places may differ, these fights are not in isolation but rather different manifestations of the same imperialist forces. Alongside pro-Palestine activists, Asian Pacific Health Corps of UCLA demands that UCLA divest from supporting corporations that fund Israeli occupation and contribute to the genocide of Palestinians. 

Though the encampment itself has been dismantled for now, its sentiment remains. We call upon our community to continue supporting the efforts of the encampment. With the dynamic nature of this ongoing movement, we urge everyone to continue to stay updated and receptive of the changing needs. To create a place for action, please get involved through the resources we have gathered.  

RESOURCES:

  • Student Resources
  • How to help Palestinians…
  • Contact your respective member of Congress and call for an immediate ceasefire
  • Hold corporations accountable, boycott from companies profiting from attacks on Gaza
  • Donate to relief and aid organizations such as UN Crisis Relief, UNFPA, and ICRC
  • Petitions
  • Educational Resources
  • @ucladivest
  • @jailsupportLA
  • @sjpatucla
  • Donations Via Venmo
  • Avoid mentioning Palestine, encampment, etc. to avoid being flagged as spam.
  • @sjpucla
  • Beware of the fake Venmo account @sjpuclaofficial
  • @jailsupportLA