A year of student mobilizations
In the spring of 2024 it marked a key moment, with numerous students from various Spanish universities camping on their campuses to express their solidarity with Palestine and reject violent actions in Gaza. These actions, which were interpreted as an act of vindication, were mainly seeking the rupture of links with institutions and companies linked to the State of Israel.
Commitment to transparency
One of the highlights of these movements was the response of the Rectorate of the University of Barcelona, who promised to review and cut relations with Israeli institutions. This commitment was considered a ‘significant victory’ for camping, who requested a rigorous study of conflict -related companies.
Bank Santander: A key player in education and war
Banco Santander presents itself as the main funder of Catalan universities, accumulating an alarming percentage of university debt, which generates concern among activists. More than thirty groups have launched a campaign to present the links between universities and this bank, as well as their involvement in the Palestine conflict.
A network of complicity
Activists have requested meetings with the academic authorities to establish a plan to break all relationships with Santander. The University has been a space where the bank has consolidated its presence through agreements ranging from funding to research projects.
Controversial investments in weapons
According to recent reports, Bank Santander has been involved in the financing of arms companies that provide military material in Israel. This situation has been reported by organizations such as the Delàs Center, which has revealed that the bank has invested thousands of dollars in companies that make weapons used in civilian attacks.
The Cost of War
Santander’s investments in companies like Boeing and General Dynamics have been especially controversial, as these companies produce weapons that have been used in recent conflicts. Activists like Toni Gómez said that these practices not only question the bank’s ethics, but also reflect an educational system that benefits from this complicity.
The impact of academic boycots
Student mobilization has generated a palpable effect, with a significant decrease in academic collaborations between Spanish and Israeli universities. This reaction has been recognized by Israeli institutions, which have alerted the negative impact of boycotts on their ability to collaborate internationally.
A change in the narrative
Student actions have shown the potential of an organized boycott, inspiring others to follow their example. The University of Barcelona has been an example of how external pressures can modify institutional policies, with the aim of cutting links with companies that perpetuate the conflict.
The future of student mobilization
With the campaign underway, activists keep their position firmly, demanding a definitive break with Bank Santander. The educational community continues to explore ways to combat complicity with human rights violations, hoping to generate significant change in its institution and beyond.