The ongoing blockade at the Book of Kells has received “overwhelming” support from the public, according to Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU). 

Protestors have entered their third day of camping outside the tourist attraction, with over 50 tents set up. 

They are demanding Trinity cuts all ties to Israeli institutions, condemn Israel, and offer 100 Palestinians a place to continue their studies. 

TCDSU President László Molnárfi has said public support “has been absolutely overwhelming”. 

“Ireland stands with Palestine,” he told The Anton Savage Show. 

“Ireland stands with the student and staff protesters.” 

Mr Molnárfi noted a large demonstration was quickly organised outside Trinity’s front gate yesterday in solidarity with those protesting inside. 

He also said Jewish students and staff in Trinity have not been alienated by the union’s repeated calls for the college to cut its Israeli ties. 

“We have many Jewish students who are participating,” he said.

“In fact, Jewish Voice for Peace as well as other Jewish groups are one of the biggest aspects of the pro-Palestine movement because they’re saying, ‘Never again’.” 

Benches set up by student protestors to block entrance to the Book of Kells at Trinity College Dublin. Image: Ellen Kenny

Protestors have blocked entrance to the Book of Kells using benches on campus that are typically donated in memory of someone from Trinity who has died. 

Some have criticised the use of the memorial benches as “disrespectful”. 

Mr Molnárfi said protestors have been “careful not to damage the benches”. 

“But these benches get moved around all the time,” he said. “They get moved around for Trinity Ball, they get moved around and changed each year. 

“I’m not going to be entering into a discourse about benches when we have tens of thousands of people who have been killed in Gaza. 

“This is a right-wing talking point that has been picked up.” 

Trinity protestors 'harming the cause'

University of Galway Law Lecturer Larry Donnelly warned protestors at Trinity could be “harming the cause” by making people feel “uncomfortable”. 

“With members of the public I spoke to yesterday, they all thought it was pretty awful,” he said. 

“It led to, I suppose, spreading of some prejudices that people in Ireland would have about Trinity College and Trinity students. 

“We do see this in the United States as well - if you look at the public reaction to the protests across university campuses, they are only in fact hardening support for Israel among the American people. 

“They don't see the next generation of brave young individuals, they see ungrateful foreigners and spoiled rich kids.” 

Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign @ipsc48 lead demonstration in support of Trinity students’ encampment on campus pic.twitter.com/oqkhruQWQQ

— ellen (@ellenfkenny) May 4, 2024

Mr Molnárfi said it is a “privileged attitude” to argue only non-disruptive protests are suitable. 

“Non-disruptive protests don't work [which] means you have to escalate,” he said. 

“You have to get attention somehow and that is by escalating our actions.” 

Trinity announced on Friday evening that access to campus would be restricted to students and staff while services such as the libraries and sports centre have been closed. 

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Main image: Protestors at the Book of Kells in Trinity College Dublin. Image: Neasa Nic Corcráin/Trinity News