Ixelles (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – On May 25, 2025, early Tuesday at 6:30 AM, 25 pro-Palestinian activists, led by Tomasevic, blocked VUB’s Braem building in Ixelles, demanding a boycott of Israeli universities, following a similar Ghent University protest.
As VRT News reported, early Tuesday morning, on May 27, 2025, at 6:30 AM, 25 pro-Palestinian activists initiated a blockade of the Braem building at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in Ixelles, a municipality within Brussels-Capital Region, Belgium.
The blockade schedule, which was established prior to the arrival of any members of staff, made sure that the building was effectively blocked from the beginning of the day’s operations. This move targets interrupting normal administrative functions and drawing immediate attention to the cause of the activists, which is based on Palestinian solidarity.
According to officials, a similar situation occurred on May 13, 2025, at Ghent University, which was also blocked with the same demands. The activists argued that targeting the rectorate was likely the most effective way to compel the university leadership to either take a position or spring into action in support of Palestinian rights.
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According to officials, pro-Palestinian activists blocked the Braem building. This stopped university operations and forced the administration to respond. They mentioned that the protest highlights growing campus activism on international issues. It raises questions about free speech and the role of universities.
The activists blocking the Braem building at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) want the university to stop working with Israeli schools right away. They say this protest is part of a bigger movement that started last school year with student occupations.
They see the blockades at Ghent University and VUB as the next step in this movement. The activists believe universities cannot stay neutral or quiet about what they see as serious attacks on Palestinians.
Isa Tomasevic, a main activist in the blockade, said the situation is urgent and it’s “time for action, not words.” They talked about the recent increase in violence after the ceasefire ended. Palestinians are suffering badly from heavy attacks and bombings. Tomasevic said Palestinians are being starved on purpose, and they cannot get water, food, or medicine.
This serious crisis, the activists say, is being ignored or quietly supported by places that still work with Israeli groups. The activists believe that by having academic ties with Israel, their universities are helping to support what they call a “livestreamed genocide.” They say it is not right to stay silent or do nothing.
