SJP Hosts Candlelight Vigil

By Broadside News Editor Asma Chaudhary

Students for Justice in Palestine held an “End the Siege on Gaza” candlelight vigil on Wednesday at the clock tower in the Johnson Center North Plaza. The event, which hoped to raise awareness to current everyday conditions of Palestinians, accumulated nearly 85 people in attendance.

As the clock tower rang, organizers quickly setup poster boards on stands and passed around flyers. Members of the group also handed out candles and Styrofoam cups. Attention grew as candles were combined in order to pass the flame to those joining the large circle of students.

A quote was written in black marker on a red poster and displayed. The poster read, "We have the choice to... cut electricity on babies in the maternity ward or heart surgery patients or stop operating rooms," as said by Dr. Moaiya Hassanain, a Gaza Health Ministry official.

The group began with a synopsis discussing the situation in Palestine, explaining facts such as residents must live without heat, electricity and water. Students encouraged interactive discussion by providing first-hand accounts about family and friends during trips back to the country.

“We are online every day for hours and we never think about those who live without electricity,” said junior Bushra Nusairat, president of SJP.

One student questioned the audience when he said, “Who here has family back in Palestine?” In response, approximately 20 students raised their hands solemnly. Some students held their head in their hands and sobbed as stories were being told to the group.

“Make sure to write to your congressman and tell them what your role is as a citizen,” Nusairat said.

Other participants discussed how students who pay to learn at a university must educate themselves more. They added that many people do not know the geography of the West Bank and are oblivious to the crisis situation there.

Nusairat said, “The most power we have is to place pressure on our administration by raising awareness.”

SJP members recognized the lack of knowledge of students at GMU and mentioned how important it is to pay attention to the news. Participants advocated that others find details from a variety of media like in a newspaper, television program and on the Internet. However, some listeners acknowledged possible bias in the media and described how first-hand accounts are the most reliable sources.

“It went well and people seemed passionate about the Palestinian crisis, which is actually more of a humanitarian crisis,” Nusairat said.

During the week of Feb. 3 to 10, the SJP will be organizing an event in opposition of the apartheid wall being built in Jerusalem. The event will take place in various locations across Washington, D.C. Students are encouraged to attend the events, which will mostly occur in the evening after classes.

Nusairat said, “Make sure to take initiative because there is more than what you learn in the classroom.”

Although the topic appeared depressing for the participants, speakers remained optimistic by discussing the importance to take action.

Another student said that in order to know the enemies in this situation, knowledge is the key to revolution.
Therefore, students are encouraged to go to blogger.com in order to find first-hand accounts people have posted in their blogs across the world.

“Let’s get cold for Palestine. Can you feel the cold burning hot for the people of Palestine?” Nusairat said.