HUNDREDS of people have called for the protection of a Scottish university student who is taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla.
Miriam Moreno, 35, a masters student in Environment, Culture and Society at Edinburgh University, is participating in the historic civilian mission to Gaza, where more than 500 people are sailing in a convoy of around 50 boats in an attempt to deliver much-needed aid to the besieged enclave.
The flotilla is now on the final leg of its journey to Gaza, which it is expected to reach within days.
However, activists have warned of an "imminent threat" of attack within the next 48 hours from Israel, which previously intercepted and detained those taking part in flotilla missions earlier this year.
More than 300 Edinburgh University staff, students and members of the community have warned Moreno, also known as Mina, is "in grave danger" following increasing threats by Israel.
In recent weeks, Israel has labelled the activists taking part in the flotilla as terrorists, repeatedly referring to it as the "Hamas flotilla" and vowing to detain and treat those onboard under terrorism laws.
Moreno, who is originally from Mexico but lives and studies in Edinburgh, is sailing on the Shireen, which is carrying the team responsible for offering legal support to the flotilla in the case of attack.
In an open letter addressed to the institution's management, members of the university community said Moreno's position on the Shireen made her "an especially visible and vulnerable target" due to the role of the vessel.
The letter reads: "As the flotilla enters the final stages of its journey, Mina is in more danger than ever. Her safety is not only a personal matter but one that directly implicates our university community: She is one of us."
The signatories urged university leadership to commit to the following:
- To publicly call for Moreno's safe passage and protection, recognising her as a member of Edinburgh University's academic community
- To do everything possible to raise awareness of Moreno's situation, through statements, press engagement and solidarity actions
- To immediately commit to end investments in all companies complicit in Israel's assault on Gaza, including the arms trade
It comes as university leadership is under increasing pressure regarding divestment from firms supporting the Israeli military, after more than 2000 staff and students called for an emergency vote on the matter earlier this month.
Edinburgh University was previously named in a UN report as one of "the most financially entangled" institutions in the UK to Israel.
The open letter added: "This is a moment for our community to show solidarity in action, not words. Silence from the university not only abandons Mina but also signals its acceptance of ongoing war crimes."
An Edinburgh University spokesperson said: “The scale of destruction in Gaza has horrified our community and many others around the world, and reports that aid providers are in danger are deeply concerning.
“As a founding member of the Council for At-Risk Academics and the first institution in Scotland to become a University of Sanctuary, we understand the complexities and urgent needs of vulnerable communities, and how our university can best provide meaningful support.
“Through this work, we offer opportunities and sanctuary to at-risk students and academics whose lives have been severely impacted by discrimination, persecution, violence or conflict.
The spokesperson added: “In line with our values, it is essential that any decisions related to our investments are measured and considered. That is why, following an institution-wide consultation inviting input from students and staff, the university has established a Responsible Investment Advisory Group.
“This permanent group, including independent and external experts, will inform the university’s future approach to responsible investment, carefully considering the diverse perspectives and concerns of our community.
“We remain committed to ongoing engagement and listening to those raising concerns.”
The group behind the open letter said they were "profoundly disappointed" at the university's response and called on the university to "act with urgency, integrity and humanity".
"Your statement makes no mention of Mina as a member of this university community, at the very moment she faces imminent and serious danger," they responded.
"What is needed now is for the university to state publicly that she is our student, that she is not a terrorist, and that it rejects attempts to criminalise humanitarian aid."
