Yesterday, at 4:00 p.m., The New School’s Students for Justice in Palestine’s (TNS SJP) Gaza Solidarity Encampment gathered in the University Center lobby for a cello performance by part-time faculty member Ethan Philbrick. The Eugene Lang lecturer has taught courses such as “Art and Popular Education” and “Performing Queer History.”
Philbrick performed “The unofficial national anthem of Palestine” titled “Mawṭinī,” written by Palestinian poet Ibrahim Tuqan, as well as an improvisational piece. During the anthem, surrounding protestors struck up a chant of, “Disclose, divest, we will not stop we will not rest,” in time with the music.
“I’m moved and inspired by students organizing for Palestine here and putting pressure on this institution to uphold its ideals and divest from genocidal war,” Philbrick said. “I’m a musician, so the least I can do is offer music to support collective mobilization.”
The encampment has occupied the University Center since Sunday at 11:30 a.m. Members of Students for Justice in Palestine are prepared to remain in the lobby until the university meets their demands, including the institution’s divestment from “corporations benefiting from and complicit in the ongoing genocide and apartheid against Palestinian people.”
Before the performance, Philbrick briefly addressed the students at the encampment, saying, “As a member of the part-time faculty, we love you, we support you. Thank you for putting into practice what we talk about in our classes.”
The performance was described as a “musical offering” by a member of TNS SJP in an announcement to the encampment. It was met with resounding applause and participation from those gathered in the lobby.
“I’m just so moved by students taking power into their own hands,” said Philbrick.