University of Zurich's student parliament approves controversial allocation of around 12,000 Swiss francs to residents of ETH Zurich
In recent months, Zurich has seen a series of protests focused on opposing the collaboration between Israeli universities and ETH Zurich, as well as protesting ETH Zurich's perceived complicity in the Gaza conflict.
On May 7, 2024, over 100 people gathered in the main building of ETH Zurich for a protest that was not officially sanctioned by the university. The demonstration was part of a broader movement against Israeli military collaborations with universities, and it drew attention to the controversial collaborations between ETH Zurich and Israeli institutions that are said to be close to Israel's military.
The protesters chanted slogans such as "No tech for genocide!" and "Israel bombs, ETH funds!". The protest was a sit-in against the Gaza war and Israel, highlighting the ethical implications of such collaborations.
Thirty-six students and allies are currently facing legal charges related to peaceful protests against ETH Zurich's alleged involvement in what they describe as genocide. One of these students applied for financial support after being charged with trespassing following a Gaza protest. However, despite being charged, the student is currently getting away with it.
Recent activities reflect a sustained and organized movement by Students For Palestine Zurich and other groups focused on framing ETH Zurich as complicit in the ongoing humanitarian issues in Gaza, pushing for accountability regarding university collaborations with Israeli institutions.
Multiple demonstrations at ETH Zurich's Polymensa and spontaneous demos in Zurich throughout July and August 2025 highlighted ETH’s role and alleged complicity in the Palestinian conflict. A hunger strike and ongoing meetings emphasized growing protester numbers and persistent activism against ETH Zurich’s partnerships and stance on Gaza. Calls for solidarity and fundraising efforts to cover legal costs for those charged due to their participation in these protests have also been made.
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- The student who applied for financial support had been charged with trespassing during a Gaza protest, which is part of a broader movement against Israeli military collaborations with universities.
- In the ongoing protests against ETH Zurich's collaboration with Israeli institutions and perceived complicity in the Gaza conflict, calls for solidarity and fundraising efforts to cover legal costs for those charged due to their participation have been massively emphasized.
