The Moral Vanguard: U.S. College Students' Righteous Struggle for Palestinian Human Rights
By Valarie R. Austin, May 28th, 2024, 14:00 PM EDT
(Previously Published on LinkedIn)
The Anguished Voices of Protest
During this iteration of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, outraged voices rise in defiant protest across U.S. campuses against the unfolding tragedy in Gaza. University and college students demand an end to the indiscriminate bloodshed and suffering of Palestinian civilians, especially the most vulnerable. Notably, Green Party Presidential candidate Jill Stein was arrested for participating in a Pro-Palestinian protest. The mostly peaceful, pro-Palestinian college protesters are not Anti-Israel or pro-Hamas; they are anti-war, demand a permanent ceasefire, and advocate for human rights. Despite peaceful vigils, encampments and sit-ins, these young activists have faced violent crackdowns, with over 1,300 arrests from April 1-28 alone. Yet their resolve remains unbroken.
The Origins: Hamas Attack and Israeli Response
On October 7th, 2023, Hamas launched a brutal, terrorist attack on Israel, resulting in 1,200 civilian deaths and kidnapped hostages with many who have still not been returned. While condemning this heinous act, the protesters argue that Israel's response has been disproportionate and indiscriminate.
Humanity's Cry amid the Carnage
Israel's military campaign has devastated Gaza. Over 34,735 Palestinian lives lost, 78,108 more injured in what appears to be a campaign aimed at potential ethnic cleansing through displacement of Palestinians from their homes. The Israeli invasion has destroyed 57% of buildings in the Gaza Strip and 75% in Gaza City, including schools, housing, hospitals, and religious centers, leaving large areas uninhabitable without essentials like electricity and water. Amid this horror, Palestinian children bear the deepest psychological scars - pervasive PTSD, depression and anxiety, according to psychiatric experts. These young survivors have lost family, homes, and futures amidst the rubble.
The Deadly Cost of Silence
The mainstream media has tried to silence these cries for justice, falsely portraying the protesters as threatening and pro-Hamas terrorist sympathizers. This insidious tactic seeks to discredit those demanding human rights and turn Americans against their fellow citizens exercising free speech. In contrast, key allies like Turkey have suspended trade with Israel over the crisis. Jordan's Queen Rania condemned the double standards in a MSNBC interview, voicing global outrage. Gravely, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has requested charges against top Hamas and Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, for alleged war crimes after extensive investigations.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Disturbingly, as Israel’s government and IDF prepares to escalate by invading and bombing Rafah, which shelters 1.7 million displaced Palestinians, the U.S. approved $19 billion in additional military aid in April to Israel. This action overrides the U.S. Leahy Law, prohibiting aid to military units committing gross violations of international law. President Biden's contradictory stance undermines peace efforts. Although he has called for a ceasefire, President Joe Biden has expressed unconditional support for Israel despite allegations of mass starvation and military attacks on civilian centers in Gaza. His lack of decisive action on behalf of Palestinian civilians and a permanent ceasefire has drawn intense anger from elements of his Democratic Party base, Independents and Republicans.
Historical Context and U.S. Interests
In archival footage from the Richard Nixon Foundation, President Richard Nixon warned that "American Presidents must always think first of what is best for America" in relation to foreign policy. In this latest instance, the prioritization of Israeli interests, especially in light of its government and military's alleged war crimes, is contrary to the broader American interests of peace in the Middle East and the Islamic world. Those interests extend, especially, to the protection of non-combatants during war in accordance with international law.
The Moral Courage to Act
The college students protesting are the moral conscience of our nation, bravely exercising their First Amendment rights to demand justice. Their diverse backgrounds, including Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Arabs, unite in sounding the alarm over this humanitarian catastrophe perpetrated with our tax dollars. Although portrayed as Anti-Semitic, the vast majority of protests are not motivated by hatred towards Jewish people, but for anti-war and humanity. As American citizens, we cannot turn a blind eye. We must demand our leaders uphold human rights over political expediency by contacting representatives and voting accordingly. Other civil actions to consider include supporting humanitarian efforts, attending or organizing peaceful protests, or engaging with relevant advocacy groups. Defending Palestinian lives is not anti-Semitic or anti-American, but an affirmation of democratic values - the equal human dignity of all people. Let us join these young activists' moral fight to ensure our nation's actions reflect its highest ideals of justice. Have a great and meaningful summer!
Valarie R. Austin is a successful keynote speaker and the author of “The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons.” She has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects of career and college readiness. She also conducts career and college workshops/training sessions for high school students, parents and transitioning military members. Check out her author’s pages on https://www.linkedin/in/valarie-r-austin, https://www.goodreads.com/valarie_r_austin and https://www.amazon.com/author/valarie_r_austin. A Youtube.com review of her book can found at https://youtu.be/xy_GSHlJsa0. (Article 5 of 5, spring 2024)
