Students protest Massey University Foundation’s investments in Israel

"It's so sad for us as Palestinian students to be funding Israel,” Noura, a Palestinian student said regarding the Massey University Foundation’s investment in Israeli Government bonds.  

On June 27th, the All Out For Gaza protest brought Massey students from both Wellington and Palmerston North together marching through the capital.  

Many held signs calling out the university, “Massey Uni divest from Israeli Govt Bonds now.”  

Another sign said, “Dear Massey University, it has come to our attention that you are complicit in genocide.”  

This comes as on June 20th, Massive revealed that the Massey University Foundation invested $7,105 in Israeli Government Bonds within the past three months.  

Palestinian Massey student Danya travelled from Manawatu to attend the protest. She felt the university did not have a right to be silent on the issue, "We have the right to get an answer from them."  

For the past 9 months, Israel has waged a genocidal assault on the people of Palestine. At least 38,000 have died, and this does not include the many stuck under rubble. 

Fellow Palestinian student Danya agreed with Noura, "We pay them for education, but we don't pay them to fund Israel."  

A spokesperson said, “The Massey University Foundation has $64 million invested in managed funds. Of this, within the past three months, $7,105.00 is invested in Israeli Government Bonds.” 

They said income from the Foundation’s investments supports student scholarships, academic positions and research at Massey.  

All three of the Foundation’s fund managers are signatories to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment. 

The university wasn’t aware of any active links to companies with ties to Israel, or any active academic partnerships or research collaborations at this time.