Penn State Students Protest Zionism and University Response to Israel-Hamas Conflict

Penn State Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) organized a protest on Wednesday, demanding an end to the Israel-Hamas war and raising awareness about the impact of October 7, 2023, on Gaza. The demonstration began at 6 p.m. at the Allen Street Gates, where approximately forty participants gathered. Some wore face masks and sunglasses, while others remained visible. Protesters carried signs such as “Hands off the Middle East” and “ICE, KKK, IDF: they’re all the same,” alongside Palestinian flags.

The group remained in quiet assembly for about fifteen minutes, as passing vehicles responded with a mix of honking in support and verbal disapproval from drivers. Across the street, an individual representing Israel held a sign condemning SJP, stating that the group “loves Hamas and celebrates the October 7 terrorist attack. They hate Jews, Israel, and the USA.”

An SJP student speaker opened the protest by addressing the broader issue of Zionism. “We stand here after three years of witnessing Zionist violence. We know that the entire world now knows that Zionism is genocide,” they said. “Zionism is colonialism. Zionism is racism. Zionism is violent and brutal. Zionism is incompatible with humanity, dignity, and life. There is no future with Zionism.”

The protesters specifically criticized Israel, Zionism, and Penn State’s response to the war, accusing the university of failing to oppose Israel’s actions in Gaza. “Penn State continues to be silent, continues to enable the murder of thousands and thousands and thousands of people,” the speaker continued. “It is on every single one of us to make sure that that is not the reality of the future.”

Another SJP member spoke about the lasting effects of October 7, 2023, on Gaza and its people. “We know that Israel could not do this without the support of the United States. While we watch the horrors of genocide play out on our phones, our government spends an estimated 21.8 billion dollars in military support for Israel.” The statement highlights the complex interplay between international policy and the conflict, reflecting ongoing debates about accountability and justice.

The demonstration underscores the deepening divisions within academic communities regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. As the protest unfolded, it became clear that the issue is not only political but also deeply personal, with participants expressing a range of perspectives shaped by their values, beliefs, and experiences. The event serves as a reminder of the challenges in fostering dialogue and understanding in a polarized environment.

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