As the 57th anniversary of Israeli independence was commemorated
in Bruin Plaza on Thursday under the joint efforts of several
student groups, the events were observed by a half ring of silent,
sign-bearing protesters from the Muslim Students Association.
Israeli flags waved as about 200 celebrants danced and sang in
the center of the plaza. The festive atmosphere contrasted sharply
with the huge hand-painted signs speaking of oppression and
occupation held by the 30 or so protestors whose presence was
largely unacknowledged by the celebrants.
Some students enjoying the music, food and booths set up for the
celebration by Bruins for Israel, the Jewish Student Union, Hillel
and the Progressive Jewish Student Union disagreed with the
protestors.
“Our messages today were messages of peace and hope for
co-existence,” said Leeron Morad, a second-year microbiology,
immunology and molecular genetics student and spokesman for Bruins
for Israel.
Israeli Independence Day is “one of the most important
days in Jewish-Israeli culture,” said Tammy Goldstein, a
third-year psychology student out showing support for the
celebration.
The quiet protestors said the celebration was disgraceful.
“We’re disgusted with the celebration,” said
Ghayth Adhami, a third-year biology student and MSA’s
incoming program director.
“There’s nothing to celebrate,” Adhami said,
adding that displaced Palestinians want dignity and a right to
return to their homes.
The protestors “have a right to say what they want, but
they’re not affecting what I believe,” Goldstein
said.
MSA protestors believed that they didn’t need to speak to
get their message across.
“We don’t want to shout and yell … we have a very
simple message,” Adhami said, “It’s not really an
issue of religion but of human rights.”
Adhami wore a green armband to signify solidarity with the
refugees.
David Cohen, a first-year business economics student, who said
he came to the event to show support for his country, believes
peaceful and open discussion is necessary for progress between the
two groups.
“They’re not going to get anywhere like this,”
Cohen said.