Source: Xavierite Caption: Demonstration in Action
SJP hosted another demonstration for the people suffering in Palestine on Mon. Feb. 19 at noon. During the Demonstration students waved Palestinian flags, posters, and chanted to show that they are still standing with the people of Palestine.
While people all over the United States watched the Super Bowl, Israel launched a genocidal war on Gaza. 1.8 million people were left stranded, displaced, or homeless, 300,000 0f them being children.
“While millions of eyes are distracted by the superbowl, millions of eyes are wondering when the help of the world is going to arrive,” voices Majid Matariyeh, SJP Treasurer.
According to Visualizing Palestine, It would take 177 buses to carry the Palestinian children killed by Israeli forces in Gaza.
Jena Kanaan, SJP President, chanted, “We will honor all our martyrs, all of our children, sons, and daughters.” Attendees repeated what Kanaan had spoken.
During this demonstration, fewer people attended than in the past. Approximately 20 students attended. “This makes me upset because it feels as though the interest of the Palestian genocide is dwindling, and it is just a thing of the past and not the present,” says Matariyeh.
Matariyeh voices, “The fact that we have to do demonstration after demonstration just for our voices to be heard instead of allowing peace from all regions of the world makes me feel sad too.”
Attendance and participation has dropped significantly in recent months due to the loss of interest on a not as recent issue. Currently, it has been over 100 days since Israel started to attack Gaza.
SJP asks students to get more involved in activities and protests resolved around the situation in Palestine. “This problem not only affects Palestinians but affects all those worldwide,” voices Matariyeh.
Due to elections taking place this year, Matariyeh comments, “We ask you to call your local representatives and leaders. Tell them that this is not okay. It’s election year and this is when we get to pick who is going to be in office.”
To get more involved students may: attend events and protests, following SJP’s social media platforms, and/or following sister organizations (sjpchicago or uspcn).
Although what is happening for the time being may not directly affect SXU students, Matariyeh explains, “If we are allowing one state/country to get away with crimes in broad daylight, what does that say to other countries? If we are silent and everything is swept under the rug, no one will get the help they deserve.”
“Today our numbers are less but I think that should be a reminder for all of us to not forget what’s happening. Even if there is only one person who shows up it makes a difference,” voices Kanaan.
SJP in recent weeks held a Keffiyeh Fundraiser. They raised approximately $1,200 which will be donated to the Palestinian Children Relief Fund.
Other events SJP has recently hosted this past week are; a Flag Exhibit for Martyrs of Gaza and a Tatreez Workshop. During the exhibit SJP and students put up 23,000 flags as a remembrance for the people of Gaza on Sun. Feb. 1. For the Tatreez workshop, students learned about the art of Palestinian embroidery to continue the tradition that dates back thousands of years in the Diner Atrium on Mon. Feb. 26.
For more information pertaining to SJP, contact, kanaan.j01@mymail.sxu.edu or visit Students for Justice on Palestine on the SXU Den.