As someone from a Jewish background, although not presently involved, I always have an underlying worry when these protests are announced: not in any way concerning the topic, but of the antisemitism that sometimes is exposed in these settings. However, I was very pleased to discover that I found no traces of hatred or antisemitism at the protest outside the Student Union on October 7th, but instead rightly targeted accusations at Israel, the UK government and university authority.
I arrived at the protest as it started, was met with friendly faces and people willing to give me more information on the protest, and the university’s reaction. The speeches from various students and non-students alike, including chants on “blood on your hands”, “free free Palestine” and “How many kids have you killed today?” definitely had their chosen affect on the audience and passers by alike, as well as some heartfelt speeches and calls to action. It was made very clear from the start that this protest was against the authorities responsible for this war and genocide, rather than individual people or communities that seem to be targetted by other protesting groups nationally.
It was made clear that the University and SU did not approve this protest, following Kier Starmer’s comments that protesting on this day is inherently “Unbritish”, a statement that genuinely disgusted me, as people protesting for genuine peace, a ceasefire and the delivery of aid to innocent people realistically should be the front of center in British values, right?
I am fully aware that the protest being held on October 7th, the 2 year anniversary of Israeli hostages captured by Hamas, is a very sensitive date and these events definitely should be acknowledged more, especially the lives and memory of those innocent hostages, both those still alive and no longer with us. However, the same date marks the beginning of an unproportional attack on Gaza, following on from decades of unjustified action from Israel’s side. This date should be a date of mourning for those supporting any side of the conflict, respecting both sides equally and the damage that was caused on this date. Although I do not personally agree with the attempted banning of protests from happening on this date, i do believe that the Jewish community, especially the university’s Jsoc should have been contacted in advance by those conducting the protest, reducing any possible threat or intimidation they may have felt as the day approached.
Acknowledging that, it has to be acknowledged that these protests and events globally have positively contributed to the official ceasefire deal, where Israel indefinitely stops their attacks, Israeli hostages are released and aid is given to rebuild the state of Palestine. If there wasn’t so much global action, especially by students, this wouldn’t have been possible.
The only thing we can all hope for now is that Israel does stick to the terms of this ceasefire deal, which is currently not looking the most positive to mine, and many others’ disgust.
Once again concerning the protest, I must reiterate that I had a genuinely positive experience, and enjoyed the discussions I was able to have with students, organisers and members of the press that were sent to report. This was a genuinely peaceful protest as promised and caused so much individual empowerment rather than the threat and intimidation that many people did expect in advance. Although I hope there is no need for future protests on the same topic, if there is I will not be objecting and hope these student groups will continue to contribute to the much needed change concerning Palestine and specifically UK institutions’ contributions towards these atrocities.
