VUB Restaurant Vandalized with Pro-Palestinian Slogans: Damage Estimated at Least 25,000 Euros
In the student restaurant of the Vrije Universiteit in Brussels, vandals have defaced the walls and tables with pro-Palestinian slogans. It is not entirely clear if the activists at the VUB are responsible for this, but the university is urging occupying students and staff to distance themselves from the vandalism. The repair costs are estimated to be at least 25,000 euros.
Rector of the VUB, Jan Danckaert, expressed regret over the break-in and vandalism that occurred last night. “People have broken into the restaurant and sprayed slogans on the walls and tables. It is particularly unfortunate that a space we specially provide for our students has been vandalized.”
Pro-Palestinian slogans such as ‘Free Palestine’ and ‘Academic boycott’ can be seen on the walls and tables of the university. These are texts that are frequently seen in photos posted by the VUB on their Instagram.
Student protests have been ongoing at the VUB for several weeks, but it is not certain if they are directly responsible for the break-in. “However, looking at the content of the slogans, it does point in that direction,” said the rector in an interview with VRT NWS in Flemish Brabant.
The VUB has a clear message for the activists on Instagram. “We ask the occupying students, members of the ‘VUB Palestine Solidarity Network and Encampment,’ and the involved staff to publicly distance themselves from these actions.”
The university will file a complaint against unknown individuals. “Any form of violence against people and buildings is unacceptable.” The student restaurant will remain open, and the damage – at least 25,000 euros – will be repaired as soon as possible.