Police arrest Brown University students taking part in Gaza ceasefire protest

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Brown University police arrested 18 Jewish students who were taking part in a sit-in calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas War.

Jews for Ceasefire Now said that 20 Jewish students of the university would take part in an “indefinite sit-in” at Brown University’s main administrative building, University Hall, until Brown President Christina Paxson publicly comments in support of a ceasefire and divestment from companies providing military support to Israel.

Student organizers who wish to remain anonymous told ABC6 that they believe this protest is the best way students can have their voices heard in regards to the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

“We are Jews who are just as concerned about the rise in antisemitism, just as concerned about our friends and families, America, around the word, Israel Palestine included. And also understand that the fates of the Jewish people and Palestinian people are intertwined and without liberation for Palestinians, there’s no liberation for any of us,” said an organizer.

A Brown University spokesman confirmed that the students were arrested for trespassing and that there were approximately 20 arrests.

ABC6 News crews on scene saw students being led in handcuffs into prisoner transport vans. The students were being transferred to Providence police.

A protest in support of the sit-in was also taking place outside the building.

ABC6 has reached out to Providence police for comment and are waiting to hear back.