In a show of solidarity with students from Columbia University and other campuses, the University of California- Berkeley (UCB) witnessed a peaceful sit-in protest on Monday. The UCB Divest coalition, comprised of students, staff, and faculty members, led the charge by occupying part of the Bay Area campus.

Calling it the first encampment of its kind on the West coast, UCB Divest took to social media, urging supporters to join their cause. "WE NEED YOU HERE! We will need you every night throughout this week to take up space with us," the group posted on Instagram, expressing confidence in the Bay Area community's support.

The organizers stated that the encampment aimed to highlight the arrests of fellow students, demanding that UC divest from corporations—particularly military manufacturers—supporting Israel's war efforts. The group also called on the university to implement policies that protect Palestinian students and put an end to violence in Gaza.

Expressing their frustration with the university's perceived silence on the issue, UCB Divest posted, "As students of this university, we have no choice but to take action as UC Berkeley stays silent about our people's genocide and remains complicit in the mass murder of Palestinians."

Although the group anticipated potential arrests, Monday's rally proceeded peacefully, without any police intervention reported. UC Berkeley's spokesperson, Dan Mogulof, confirmed that the university was aware of the protests but stated that they had no plans to alter their investment policies and practices. "Berkeley is prioritizing students' academic interests," Mogulof emphasized, adding that steps would be taken to ensure minimal disruption to university operations.

The widespread protests have not gone unnoticed by the White House. Just days ago, an official statement condemned recent acts of violence against the Jewish community, highlighting the issue of antisemitism. The administration vowed to implement the National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, prioritizing the protection of the Jewish community across the nation.

The increasing wave of anti-Israel demonstrations has affected numerous Ivy League schools, with Columbia University witnessing over 100 arrests. As a result, Columbia has decided to shift to a fully hybrid learning system for the remainder of the academic year.

Fox News Digital has reached out to UC Berkeley for further comment on the situation. With tensions running high, the campus community waits to see how the university will navigate these challenges while ensuring the academic well-being of its students.