UCLA Students Plan Protest to Mark Third Anniversary of Oct. 7 Hamas Attack

Students at UCLA have planned a protest on the third anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, which has sparked significant backlash. The event, organized by Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), is scheduled for noon on Oct. 7 at Bruin Plaza. The demonstration aims to commemorate what SJP describes as three years of “escalated genocide in Palestine” and to “recognize and uplift” Palestinian resistance.

SJP stated the protest seeks to transform grief over the conflict into political action, emphasizing that “the genocide in Palestine has not slowed down, and neither should we.” The group’s message highlights the ongoing struggle and resistance of the Palestinian people against what it calls “Zionist occupation.”

Critics have condemned the planned event, with some calling it “depraved.” Social media comments reflect the controversy, including remarks like, “Looking forward to counterprotesting these bored, uninformed, cosplaying jihadists,” and “You’re gonna make a lot of noise and get a lot of attention, but victorious? I don’t think Israel will fall because of a bunch of barbarians and their Looney Tunes supporters.”

The Oct. 7 anniversary has become a highly charged date at UCLA, with tensions over the Israel-Hamas war frequently leading to protests, counterprotests, and clashes. Last year’s anniversary protest drew approximately 70 participants who marched through campus, with around 25 police officers and university staff deployed to manage the demonstration.

The protest included Palestinian flags, a coffin-shaped object, and chants such as “Free Palestine,” “Intifada,” and “Israel is a terrorist state.” The California Post has contacted SJP for further comment on the planned demonstration and the criticism surrounding it, as well as Jewish organizations on campus, including Bruins for Israel and UCLA Hillel, which have declined to comment.

The situation underscores the complex and often polarizing nature of the Israel-Hamas conflict, with differing perspectives shaping public discourse and campus activism. As tensions continue to escalate, the role of universities in facilitating dialogue and maintaining order remains a critical concern.

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