(We run this column as an example of how other schools across the nation are discussing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a topic at the forefront of discussion here at the University of Massachusetts.)
(U-WIRE) PITTSBURGH – A year ago the Palestinian-Israeli conflict didn’t register on the radar of most college students. Though most knew it was a place of near-constant violence, the Middle East seemed distant, with little relevance to students’ lives. For many, being pro-Israeli was just status quo.
In recent weeks, as violence escalated, pro-Palestinian groups have become more visible on campuses nationwide. With an emotional campaign presenting the Palestinians as an oppressed people, these groups have garnered support from various liberal and leftist factions, such as living wage and affirmative action supporters.
Friday afternoon’s pro-Palestinian rally on the front lawn of the William Pitt Union demonstrated that the pro-Israeli status quo would no longer go unquestioned at the University of Pittsburgh.
With signs equating Israeli tactics to those of the Nazis, some emblazoned with swastikas, protesters took up the pro-Palestinian position and created quite a stir. On-lookers, both Jewish and non-Jewish, were confused and angered by the rally. The choice of day – the Friday before Holocaust Remembrance Day – and the use of the swastika demonstrated a lack of sensitivity on the part of the protesters and caused some to interpret the rally as not only pro-Palestinian, but anti-Semitic.
Rallies, regardless of which position they support, must serve to educate. Considering the general and continued lack of knowledge about the history and complexities of the conflict, protesters should strive to do more than shock their viewers with historically anti-Semitic symbols. In order to support a cause, the populace must understand it.
Furthermore, in utilizing their right to express themselves, activists must clearly define their positions and goals. Factions within the Palestinians and Israelis have differing positions, and terms such as occupation and terrorism have different meanings to different factions. Neither side can afford to throw terms around, because even those familiar with conflict are confused when terms go undefined.
Signs must clearly represent the opinions of those holding them. Lack of clarity in these cases is easily construed as hateful. Case in point: the use of swastikas. Construed by some to equate the military occupation of Palestinian lands with Nazi tactics, others construed them as anti-Semitic.
The conflict carries high stakes both intellectually and emotionally. Many nationwide have family on both sides and the practitioners of three of the world’s major religions consider the region to be the holy land. As tensions continue to rise and violence escalates, the conflict will be an increasingly pervasive issue on campuses across the country. As students must take the opportunity to educate themselves on the issues, protesters must facilitate this while keeping sensitivity in mind and clearly stating their positions.
Opinions taken from the U-Wire represent the majority opinion of the Collegian Editorial board.